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The Tiger Who Came To Tea
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Outline the story …
This gown was inspired by the bedtime story I read to my daughter 'The Tiger Who Came To Tea'.
It's about a Tiger who comes to tea with a girl and her mother. It's such a lovely little story, and I had a roll of this orange fabric that I knew would be perfect. I wanted to put a historical spin on the design, so I used The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking to drape a robe a la francaise and matching petticoat with the striped orange fabric!
Outline the construction…
The outfit is completely hand sewn, and is almost completely polyester (apart from the cotton lining in the bodice and sleeves).
I had to learn the hard way WHY people love using silk taffeta for these gowns because my polyester fabric was extremely springy and was a bit of a challenge to wrestle into pleats! The fabric also bruises so badly that I had to be very deliberate with my stitching without the benefit of being able to baste before hand.
While making the trim was easy enough (although time consuming!) applying it to a gown I'd already finished was more complicated. I had to reapply the trim to the petticoat 3 times before I was happy with it.
I also had to draft and make a new pair of stays for the project because my original pair were not covid-fluff proof, although they are relatively basic (featured in the video quickly).
Incredible! I’m blown away that you’ve made such an incredible piece completely by hand sewing.
Breathtaking- The fabric is SO perfect and I love all your details. It’s so impressive and your needlework is fabulous
Hannah, even knowing what you were making, as you were making it – I’m beyond impressed. If we ever make it to a real event again, I hope to see you wearing this in real life. It’s a very clever concept, beautifully made.
That trim is so beautiful and just right for a tiger at tea!
Beautiful, love the fabric choice!
Ooooh, fantastic how you managed to evoke a tiger in period clothing ,
This is lovely, what a great interpretation of your inspiration!
I also read this story when I was young and have fond memories of it! The striped orange fabric is perfect for the tiger, and combined with the robe a la francaise, this is a lovely interpretation! I can definitely see this elegant tiger attending a very refined tea party!
I love this– I’m definitely smiling at my computer screen right now! Great job!