Simple Elegance: Regency Ball Gown

I've had this fabric in my stash for almost 3 years now. But since we never had any real Regency balls to go to, I never got around to making the gown! However, the local Regency ball returned this year to it's original location in Lansing after a stint in South Bend, Indiana.

I of course had a lot more planned for this gown, but it was a rush job so I ran out of time for the finishing touches. Mainly a pointed belt, bands of trim around the skirt, and buttons on the sleeve turn-backs. It doesn't look bad without those things, though (except maybe the buttons) so I wasn't disappointed with the gown. And I hand sewed the entire thing in less than a week... (AND made an Elizabethan headdress by hand in the middle of the week as well, which is another post.)

The fabric is a lightweight silk and metallic brocaded fabric and the sleeves are cotton voile. The turban is a silk/metallic tissue and the gorgeous ostrich plume headband was a gift from Nicole. I felt very elegant with it!

Someday the gown will get its finishing touches... For now, I enjoy its simple elegance.

I call this my "dancing girl from fashion plate" pose. See?