18th Century Robe a l'Anglaise

After completing two child "Marie Antoinette" style gowns for Halloween of 2007, I
decided to make my own.  I had no particular historic or movie gown in mind, just
a simple muslin practice gown.  
Progress Updates
October, 2007

I finally decided to go ahead with this project after finding some sale muslin!  I'm not sure how
historically accurate the print is!  
October 11, 2007

The first essential task in any constructing any garments:  undergarments!  I have to make a
pair of stays, chemise, pocket hoops, and bumroll.  I started constructing stays using leftover
fabric from the blue child Marie Antoinette gown and electrical ties for boning.  I did have the
pattern matched on the separate pieces, however I had to take the seam in a bit and hence
messed up all my pattern matching.  Grrr.
I'll probably use hemp cord in some of the boning channels since I don't need an extremely
tight or supportive corset.  
October, 12, 2007

I started sewing in the channels last night and have completed about half.  
I'm using electrical ties for boning since steel is really expensive.  I'd paired
up the corset with my Tudor smock for the photo.  
October 17, 2007

All the channels are sewn into the stays and boning (cable ties) inserted.  
I've started on the hand bound eyelet holes (blech), never my favorite part
of any laced garment.  I also picked up some absolutely lovely cream
colored cotton for my chemise from Gayfeather Fabrics in downtown
Madison.  Hopefully I can get my new chemise put together quickly and won't
have to use my linen blackworked Tudor smock!  
Cleopatra's Closet:  A Costume Site
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May 1, 2008

The gown has been finished for about a month now!  I'll just post a quick succession of photos documenting progress.  
The write-up will have to wait for a later date!