FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
The Moonstone Nightgown
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
I have created the nightgown which is the main evidence in the theft or loss of the moonstone in the 1868 book “The Moonstone”.
It is one of the oldest detective novels ever written by the author Willkie Collins. The Moonstone itself is a yellow Diamond and a Holy Gem in India. It was stolen by a British army officer, who brings it back to England. On the officers death he bequests it as a birthday gift to his nice for her 18th Birthday. On the night of the birthday Party the diamond is stolen by one of her cousins, with the only clue being paint from the freshly painted bedroom door smeared onto the nightgown.
When I heard of the completion, I had just finished this book on audible and I knew I wanted to create the nightgown. While it took longer for me to make than just one night (As it is written in the book), I think it would be very suitable for an upper-class young English gentleman in 1848 when the book is set.
Outline the construction…
I tried to be as historically accurate as possible, but since it is the first historical clothing I have made and the first hand sewn garment for me, it was quite a challenge. After some research I found a nightgown on the website of the MET Museum (ACC.Numb C.I.43.126.48 also linked above) which I wanted to recreate or at least take inspiration from, because of a number of difficulties in ordering and shipping of materials I could first begin with the nightgown on January 9th.
I found all my materials online at Stoffe.de. My fabric is a mix of 35% Linen and 65% Cotton, the buttons are mother of pearl and I used English cotton Feston. When it arrived the Feston looked synthetic, while it sold as 100% cotton, I was devastated but because of the lack of an alternative I decided to use it. I already had Cotton thread, needles, thimble and beeswax in my sewing stash. I used the construction guidance of Morgan Donners Medieval Chemise and took some sewing advice from her as well as Abby Cox and Bernadette Banner on YouTube.
Your nightgown is so beautiful (like you). Your hand sewing is neat and faultless – I’m impressed given your time constraints. The Moonstone is one of my favourite books and you’ve succeeded in capturing the mysterious atmosphere of the novel in your photos.
What a lovely result, congratulation
It is really well done, I love that you handsewn this night gown and so nicely!
Your stitching looks so neat! Well done ❤
Your stitching is amazing!
Details are beautiful, especially buttonholes. You did great job!
Admire your commitment to historical accuracy. The hand stitching is beautiful and the lace accents fit so well.