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Anne of Green Gables Inspired Edwardian Gown
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Other Credits
Model is me
Outline the story …
I chose the literary character Anne Shirley-Cuthbert of Green Gables, from the book series by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I grew up reading the books and watching the 1985 Mini Series. When I heard about the contest, I knew I had the perfect entry. Earlier in 2020 when the pandemic hit, I became obsessed with Historical Fashion, I had not delved into it much up until I made this dress, it was also my first historical corset that I’ve made.
Anne has always been one of my all time favorites for beautiful fashion, I was so happy to finally be able to make and wear an Anne dress, puffed sleeves and all! My current dyed hair color is definitely part of the inspiration, I use a braid to puff out my hair like they would back then, but otherwise, all the length is mine.
I was inspired partially by a few dresses that Anne wears in the Mini Series, along with some extent Edwardian dresses that I found on Pinterest. I chose the Edwardian style as it’s similar to what she would have worn in the time period her story was based in, and I chose the color because as a Redhead, I think Anne would have worn green well. I wanted to put her in a dramatic, trained, puffed sleeve, ball gown, I think she would have felt very regal wearing the dress I created.
Outline the construction…
I made everything myself using bought and modified patterns. I started with Truly Victorian Edwardian corset pattern, using canvas, silk, and steel boning. Truly Victorian Evening Shift and Split Drawers pattern, using poly lace and cotton. I made two tie on petticoats, the first is just A line with rectangle ruffles added. I used a shortened modified version of my skirt pattern for the second petticoat with added ruffles.
I used modified Butterick 5970 for the dress separates and the belt, I used green habotai silk for the majority, with silk chiffon and charmeuse, the lace is all polyester. I lengthened and widened the skirt to get more pleats in the back and for my height, I also added pockets. I lowered the bodice neckline to get the evening look, and modified the sleeves to get the filmy, puffed sleeve. I hand beaded the sleeves and the belt.
The bodice has an added built in layer of ruffles to puff out the front, I attached them to the lining structure layer, which is a linen blend. I also used plastic boning and added waist tape to keep in in place, along with all the hand attached hooks and eyes. The skirt is fully flatlined in cotton, has a 6 inch flannel interlining around the hem, and I added a button-in balayeuse to keep my skirt train clean. I found a base straw hat that I embellished with my fabric and flowers. I made the gloves out of matching spandex.
Absolutely beautiful!
A really lovey ensemble. You did a fantastic job of evoking the feeling of the original “Anne series” while making it your own. The time and care that went into this dress was well worth it!
You’ve captured Anne well, including her lovely auburn hair. The best is really a perfect sparkle for her sparkly character.
Lots of ruffles! I just love it, you did a great job♡
Wow! I love this! The green looks stunning, the attention to detail is magnificent and having that green accent on your undergarment is lovely! The corset fits you rather nicely! I can see Anne enjoying this outfit. Great job!
It is such a flattering outfit! I’m impressed by the co-ordinating gloves, the beautiful beadwork and that you were able to use so many ruffles without it looking too from-frou! Very nice work.
This is definitely and outfit I can imagine Anne wearing! Such a beautiful fit and design, and, you’re right, that shade of emerald green is perfect for red hair! Well done!
Nicely done! I’m quite sure Anne would have enjoyed those sleeves!
Great work! I love the corset, and that belt is to die for! So sparkly <3