FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Catherine’s Gown
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Photographer: Miranda Christensen
Outline the story …
In Chapter 3 of Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey", Catherine Morland and Mrs. Allen meet Mr. Tilney again at the Lower Rooms in Bath. Upon learning that Mr. Tilney "understands muslin," Mrs. Allen asks him what he thinks of Miss Morland's gown. He responds that is was "very pretty," but may fray.
When creating Catherine's muslin gown, I took into account her age and naivete. She's only fifteen, and, being from the country, has never been out in society. This white gown, with small blue embroidery, is what I feel she would have chosen when first in Bath. Its simplicity echoes her own simplicity and romanticism. Perhaps it is the kind of gown that she dreamed about when she first started to fantasize about going to balls.
Though I hope it won't fray, as Mr. Tilney suspects!
Outline the construction…
I used the Regency Gown from Sense and Sensibility pattern to make this dress. The outer material is muslin and the lining is linen.
One of the challenges I had was easing the center back and the side back seams. Making the curved seams fit together took several tries. I had to video call a more skilled seamstress to walk me through the steps.
The button holes were also challenging. Setting up my sewing machine correctly and getting them to actually look like button holes took several practice holes, as well as several re-readings of my machine's manual.
I also decided to pleat the back instead of gather it. I watched a couple of videos on YouTube about pleating, and then read in the Reader Digest's Complete Guide to Sewing.
I decided to hand fell the seams on the bodice, to keep them from fraying. This idea and the execution of it came from the the multiple sewists and costumers I watch on YouTube.
The placket in the back of the skirt was difficult to understand from the directions in the pattern. Fortunately, the creator of the pattern had a video on her website explaining how to do it.
A wonderful dress and beautiful photography. You’d fit in perfectly in Bridgerton 🙂
Beautiful! I love the details and the fit
That’s a splendid dress! The embroidery is very delicate and pretty, it fits Catherine very well, I think. Well done!
Very Catherine Morland- fabulous!
So pretty and delicate. I love the embroidery too!
The simple embroidery is lovely and so fitting for this sweet dress. and THOSE curved seams are flawless.
Your seams are SO beautiful- and your choices on how to depict her is absolutely gorgeous. Big congratulations on entering this stunning piece
This is done oh so prettily, and I love that embroidery!
You just made me want to make my own Regency gown. Really clean sawing, I love how the back flows! Good job! Good luck with the competition!
Exquisite work! This simplicity leaves nowhere to hide, so all you can do is sew cleanly and well, and you nailed it. And I’m in love with that sleeve band detail – such a nifty small choice that makes a clear statement.
Stunning! This is exactly what Catherine would have worn to Bath. You attention to carefully creating this dress shows. Well Done!
It is beautiful in its simplicity.
What a wonderful gown, it looks so lovely
This is so nice. Love the attention to detail.
Very pretty and that embroidery was a perfect choice!
I love the embroidery on the bottom hem and the sleeves, simple and yet quite elegant. The gown flows nicely! Thank you!
Very well done – the fit is good, which is not easy to achieve even though it looks like a simple garment. You have obviously made the most of the instructional resources you found. Lovely 🙂
Very well done – the fit is good, which is not easy to achieve even though it looks like a simple garment. You have obviously made the most of the instructional resources you found. I love the delicate blue embroidery too – perfect touch. 🙂
What a lovely gown. I adore the embroidery. Great work!
Beautifully finished, the seams are impeccable and the blue embroidery detail is perfect! Such a gorgeous piece!
That looks wonderful! I especially like the embroidery on the sleeves.
Very nice indeed! Among the other challenges you overcame well is combining fabrics with different characteristics in the outer and inner layers.
The embroidery is a wonderful touch to a beautiful gown!