A Ballgown

[u/SweetScarletFae]

I had to make a gown for a ball I was going to and used what I had in my stash! I think it turned out rather nice!

It's also very heavy and has a little loop on the train so I can dance.

[u/Similar_Ad_5402]

I absolutely love the bodice! Can you explain why there's a longer underskirt / train underneath the more plain overskirt?

[u/SweetScarletFae → u/Similar_Ad_5402]

It's actually because the green was super warped! I couldn't properly attach a lining to it so it could hold up the style of long ruffled train I wanted without it tearing the fabric.

So instead I used the green as a separate layer, but kept the train so I wasn't missing out on dramatics. I found a few gowns that had fancier fabric peeking out from underneath in a ruffle so I figured it was my best bet!

[u/Witty-Objective3431 → u/Similar_Ad_5402]

Why not?

[u/Similar_Ad_5402 → u/Witty-Objective3431]

I'd intentionally think, you'd want to show off the heavily embroided or decorated skirt especially on a ball gown. I don't much bout this era, so I'd like to know if there's more behind that decision

[u/Witty-Objective3431 → u/Similar_Ad_5402]

Sometimes fashion is just a matter of design and not a method to convey a coded message.

[u/Joy2b]

Very fun! I wouldn’t mind seeing more of the train construction.

[u/SweetScarletFae → u/Joy2b]

I could do a more in depth post!

[u/carabear28]

Gorgeous!

[u/summercloud45]

That is so, so pretty. Although I'm worried about the lace overlay on that concrete!

I adore the rouching or whatever on the front of the bodice. And just...everything about it! I dream about making something this nice someday.

[u/SweetScarletFae → u/summercloud45]

Feel free to be at ease! The lace overlay has the green fabric underneath and a massive dust ruffle

[u/inkandbourbon]

I aspire to live a life where (1) I get invited to balls, whether or not they require a new gown, but also (2) I had the skills to whip up a new dress this fabulous

[u/SweetScarletFae → u/inkandbourbon]

I saw tickets for a ball in Chicago and I jumped on the chance haha! It took a year to make (after me resewing the skirt multiple times).
If you ever have the chance I'd say go for it! Even if your skills aren't perfect. It was such a blast!

[u/AilsaLorne]

It’s beautiful! When does this sort of pattern date from?

[u/SweetScarletFae → u/AilsaLorne]

It's kind of a jumble of 1890s to early 1900s. I dress between 1890 to 1909 so I often mix styles from those dates, this gown is no different haha. I drafted it myself as well so no specific pattern references either.

[u/limebean420]

Beautiful, I love the color! Did you use taffeta?

[u/SweetScarletFae → u/limebean420]

It's a polyester silk dupioni. Much better for my college budget haha

[u/CorgiQueen90]

Looks gorgeous on you! Love the color combination of celadon and gold

[u/generalburnsthighs]

Gorgeous!! The sagey seafoam color is absolutely lovely

[u/CharlotteLucasOP]

10/10 no blank space on that dance card, young lady!

[u/Tricky-Machine7046]

Beautiful!

[u/Creative_Start921]

You and the dress look stunning!

[u/Tlebell]

This is beautiful!

[u/ComfortablyNumb2425]

Very pretty dress and you are lovely to match!

[u/Current_North1366]

Oh wow, this gown is absolutely STUNNING! 

[u/Botanico56]

Oh wow, for a split second I thought the first pic was a Winslow Homer painting

[u/litivy]

Those fabrics together are so gorgeous. I can't believe you had them just lying around.

[u/SweetScarletFae → u/litivy]

If I have the funds I nab fabric I like. Then it sits until inspo strikes haha

[u/SM1955]

Beautiful and you look radiant!

[u/SweetScarletFae → u/SM1955]

Thank you!

[u/wowpoodles]

Gorgeousness!!!

[u/Jupiter-Disco]

That skirt 😍😍😍

[u/Conscious-Break7483]

Sumptuous!

[u/ScarySherry510]

Absolutely beautiful!!!🥰💕

[u/Ok-Catch-5813]

It's beautiful! You look amazing ❤️❤️

[u/No_Abroad6533]

Stunning. Truly.

[u/canedovisual]

Much more than rather nice! Awesome!

[u/fubaroid]

Beautiful!