As I mentioned the last time I wrote, I recently decided it was time to pursue a second Regency-era dress, to wear to the JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) annual conference, held this year in Louisville, Kentucky. You can see that post and photos of the initial design process and fabric selection here.
Now on to the promised Part Two. After settling on a style (modified court dress) and fabric, and having an initial fitting, my niece and dressmaker, Jennifer Shouse-Klassen, made a pattern for the bodice—the most crucial part to fit properly. She draped the bodice pieces on a dress form, then transferred them to paper, cut, and sewed them into a mock up.
Then I went back for a second fitting with the mock-up bodice (the cherry material was for fitting purposes only), and Jenni marked and pinned up adjustments as needed.
After I left, Jenni began the process of putting together and sewing the actual dress—or rather, two dresses: a lined gold underdress and a blue Dupioni silk overdress.
I love the gathers and edging of the gold underdress. And here’s the blue silk overdress with gold trim and decorative closure. Isn’t it beautiful?!
At the final fitting, some further adjustments were needed. (Perhaps I ate too many scones?) But Jenni made them skillfully and quickly—in time to pack up and take with me on the flight to Louisville, along with my old gloves and a new reticule and cameo from Etsy.
Here I am wearing the new gown at the Jane Austen ball a few days ago with friend Barbara, one of 800 fellow Janeites who attended the conference. I received many compliments on the dress, which I will be sure to pass along to Jenni.
Next time I’ll show you more photos and maybe even a brief video from the conference.
What about you? Are you a Jane Austen fan? Would you enjoy wearing such a dress?
Thanks for reading! I appreciate your interest.
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Love the dress! What a talented niece you have. Something a Georgette Heyer heroine might wear to the ball 🙂
Thanks, Carolyn. I agree. And LOVE Georgette Heyer!
Julie- love your dress! Yes, I would love to wear something so beautiful. Let me say that I love the cover and the dress on your upcoming book, The Painter’s Daughter. Sometimes I wish we still lived in a society in which women wore dresses all the time. Then every time I trip over my maxi skirt coming up the stairs, carrying my baby in the car seat, I am glad for pants, too!
So true, Courtney! And yes, the cover of The Painter’s Daugher is lovely. That’s the work of a different “Jenn” in my life: Jennifer Parker at Bethany House Publishers.
The dress is beautiful and compliments you so well! Great job picking the fabric and she did an amazing job creating this dress for you! It would be fun to dress up like this but I am thankful we don’t dress like this daily. Of course this Era is much better than some others throughout history with its hoop skirts and many layers! You look beautiful, fabulous choice!
Thank you, thank you! And I have my agent, Wendy Lawton, to thank for the beautiful fabrics.
Yes, I am a Jane Austen fan and I would LOVE to wear a dress like the one your dressmaker-niece made for you. It is absolutely lovely, and the cameo goes very well with it. Both you and your friend look beautiful.
(Looking forward to reading Lady Maybe)
( :
Aw, thanks, Laurie. And yes, I was happy with how well the cameo and reticule worked. So hard to tell when you’re shopping online. Hope you enjoy Lady Maybe!
Your dress is beautiful! Your niece is very talented. I would love to wear a dress like this. I am a Jane Austen fan, my favorites are Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. It would be so fun to attend a Jane Austen conference. I hope you had a great time!
Yes, Jenni is very talented and fun, too. I had a good time at the conference, but now it’s back to reality. Thanks for stopping by, Amanda.
How fun! Thanks for sharing the photos. You look lovely!
Thanks, Carrie. I appreciate it!
Your dress is GORGEOUS! And you look splendid in it, Julie. So lovely. Playing dress-up never gets old, does it? 🙂 I might have to start attending the JASNA conference just so I have an excuse to join in.
It’s not dress-up, Karen, it’s serious historical reenactment! tut-tut. (wink) 🙂
Oh wow Julie. You look lovely. I LOVE that dress. So much fun! I should have been born in the Regency period! I LOVE England and I LOVE Jane Austen! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, dear England-loving friend!
Oh, how beautiful! It’d be a dream come true for me to wear a Regency dress and go to a conference like that! What lovely memories for you! 🙂
Yes, it was a great experience, and fun to spend time with fellow JA enthusiasts. Thanks, Elizabeth.
Fantastic! I love the gold and blue. Just stunning. But I can’t ever imagine wearing such a dress to be honest! 🙂
The dress is beautiful – kudos to Jenni!! I’d love to dress up in a dress such as this – for a ball. I live in the Louisville area – wish I could have seen everyone in their beautiful dresses at the JASNA conference.
Wow! Love the dress! Great talented niece you have! Thanks for sharing. I was wondering if we’ll be able to see the final dress. Thanks.
Love the gown. I’ve been loving the videos of the many walking around the room.
I’ve really enjoyed your Say Yes to the Regency Dress posts, Julie! The finished dress is lovely. 🙂
Your dress is beautiful, just perfect for that Southern feel in Louisville. Next time for your conference, wouldn’t it be fun to attend a mystery dinner? I attended one on a conference many years ago in Louisville. Your dress brought back the memory of the fun night.
Perfectly beautiful dress! (I favor blue.) And I would love to have a “Jane Austen” dress. 🙂 I’m sure you have lots of fun wearing it. Does a girl ever outgrow her love of “playing dress-up”?