Regency Era - Jane Austen - blue Dress
my Jane Austen Blue Dress.
In the UK, the end of the Georgian Era 1714 to 1837, was known as The Regency Era, when King George the 3rd was deemed unfit, and his son took over as Prince Regent, starting in 1811. In 1820, that prince was crowned King George the 4th, and the era ended in 1837, which was the start of the Victorian Era.
Other historical highlights include: the War of 1812 between the US and UK, Napoleon and the Napoleonic Wars, Beethoven’s 9th symphony, the industrial revolution, and a high popularity of books as entertainment. Jane Austin novels are set in this era.
America, during this same time period, was in a post-revolutionary stage. The first American President George Washington was elected in 1792, and then Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Adams, and then Jackson from 1829-1837. The Louisiana Purchase, westward expansion, the slave trade with Africa stopped in 1807, but slavery continued in some states, the Missouri compromise, ect.
If you like Historical clothing, also see my: Pink and White Regency, Renaissance Lady, and my Victorian Lady, and Edwardian lawn Dress.
I made this dress from scratch over a weekend. It wasn’t too difficult. I cut out the pieces one day, did the bulk of the sewing the next day, and did the finishing touches on the 3rd day. Floor length, high waist, puffy little sleeves, and the top and sleeves are lined.
It’s historically based, and not a design copied from a movie costume. But it does make me think of The Count of Monte Cristo, Beethoven, and Pride and Prejudice.
Mostly I made this because earlier this year I had to make 3 of this style dresses for a Theatre show. So I figured, since I had a pattern, why not make one for myself? It’s a charming style, casual, flowy, sort of romantic. They say that the style was influenced by the classical Greeks. The high waist empire silhouette was popular in women’s fashion at the time, along with: sheer pale plain-weave cotton gowns, shawls, and low heeled slippers. Women dressed in layers; petticoats, shifts, stays.
I got the blue fabric for free in a bag of trims that a friend was throwing out, so the only thing I had to buy was the trim for the neckline.
For the back closure, I did button holes on both sides, so it could be laced closed. I thought it would be a nice detail. But now I realize that I should’ve just done a zipper, because it’s too difficult to lace oneself in.
I like the color of this dress. I think it’s a very practical color. Not too dark, or too vibrant.
A woman’s hair would be worn up. And the dress would be worn with gloves in a formal setting.
If you're having trouble with timelines:
Medieval [5th-15th century]: King Arthur, Robin Hood, Charlemagne 742-814, Leif Ericson 970-1020, William the Conqueror 1028-1087, Richard the Lionheart 1157-1199, Joan of Arc 1412-1431, Vlad the Impaler 1413-1476.
Renaissance [14th-17th century]: Da Vinci 1452-1519, Michelangelo 1475-1564, Queen Elizabeth The Virgin Queen 1533-1603, Shakespeare 1564-1616, Galileo 1564-1642, Sir Isaac Newton 1643-1727,
Georgian Era [1714-1837]/ Regency era [1811-1820] : President George Washington thru President Andrew Jackson, Marie Antoinette 1755-1793, Napoleon Bonaparte 1769-1821, Beethoven 1770-1827, Jane Austen 1775-1817.
Victorian Era [1837-1901]: Queen Victoria 1819-1901, President Martin Van Buren thru President William McKinley. Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865, Susan B Anthony 1820-1906, Mark Twain 1835-1910, Thomas Edison 1847-1931, Vincent van Gogh 1853-1890. The American Civil War 1861-1865. American Wild West.
The art and culture era known as the BelleEpoque was 1871-1914.
Edwardian Era [1901-1910 often extended to 1914]. King Edward VII 1841-1910. President Theodore Roosevelt and President Howard Taft. Mary Poppins. My Fair Lady. Titanic 1912.
WW1 [1914-1918]
In the UK, the end of the Georgian Era 1714 to 1837, was known as The Regency Era, when King George the 3rd was deemed unfit, and his son took over as Prince Regent, starting in 1811. In 1820, that prince was crowned King George the 4th, and the era ended in 1837, which was the start of the Victorian Era.
Other historical highlights include: the War of 1812 between the US and UK, Napoleon and the Napoleonic Wars, Beethoven’s 9th symphony, the industrial revolution, and a high popularity of books as entertainment. Jane Austin novels are set in this era.
America, during this same time period, was in a post-revolutionary stage. The first American President George Washington was elected in 1792, and then Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Adams, and then Jackson from 1829-1837. The Louisiana Purchase, westward expansion, the slave trade with Africa stopped in 1807, but slavery continued in some states, the Missouri compromise, ect.
If you like Historical clothing, also see my: Pink and White Regency, Renaissance Lady, and my Victorian Lady, and Edwardian lawn Dress.
I made this dress from scratch over a weekend. It wasn’t too difficult. I cut out the pieces one day, did the bulk of the sewing the next day, and did the finishing touches on the 3rd day. Floor length, high waist, puffy little sleeves, and the top and sleeves are lined.
It’s historically based, and not a design copied from a movie costume. But it does make me think of The Count of Monte Cristo, Beethoven, and Pride and Prejudice.
Mostly I made this because earlier this year I had to make 3 of this style dresses for a Theatre show. So I figured, since I had a pattern, why not make one for myself? It’s a charming style, casual, flowy, sort of romantic. They say that the style was influenced by the classical Greeks. The high waist empire silhouette was popular in women’s fashion at the time, along with: sheer pale plain-weave cotton gowns, shawls, and low heeled slippers. Women dressed in layers; petticoats, shifts, stays.
I got the blue fabric for free in a bag of trims that a friend was throwing out, so the only thing I had to buy was the trim for the neckline.
For the back closure, I did button holes on both sides, so it could be laced closed. I thought it would be a nice detail. But now I realize that I should’ve just done a zipper, because it’s too difficult to lace oneself in.
I like the color of this dress. I think it’s a very practical color. Not too dark, or too vibrant.
A woman’s hair would be worn up. And the dress would be worn with gloves in a formal setting.
If you're having trouble with timelines:
Medieval [5th-15th century]: King Arthur, Robin Hood, Charlemagne 742-814, Leif Ericson 970-1020, William the Conqueror 1028-1087, Richard the Lionheart 1157-1199, Joan of Arc 1412-1431, Vlad the Impaler 1413-1476.
Renaissance [14th-17th century]: Da Vinci 1452-1519, Michelangelo 1475-1564, Queen Elizabeth The Virgin Queen 1533-1603, Shakespeare 1564-1616, Galileo 1564-1642, Sir Isaac Newton 1643-1727,
Georgian Era [1714-1837]/ Regency era [1811-1820] : President George Washington thru President Andrew Jackson, Marie Antoinette 1755-1793, Napoleon Bonaparte 1769-1821, Beethoven 1770-1827, Jane Austen 1775-1817.
Victorian Era [1837-1901]: Queen Victoria 1819-1901, President Martin Van Buren thru President William McKinley. Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865, Susan B Anthony 1820-1906, Mark Twain 1835-1910, Thomas Edison 1847-1931, Vincent van Gogh 1853-1890. The American Civil War 1861-1865. American Wild West.
The art and culture era known as the BelleEpoque was 1871-1914.
Edwardian Era [1901-1910 often extended to 1914]. King Edward VII 1841-1910. President Theodore Roosevelt and President Howard Taft. Mary Poppins. My Fair Lady. Titanic 1912.
WW1 [1914-1918]
SaeternSee the Workshop page.
If I were to do it all over again, I think I'd make the skirt fuller. When I look at historical paintings of 1790s-1820s ladies, I see that their dresses have more gathers at the back waist of their skirt. Pictures were taken at Fanime2019. Photos by Victor Ho, Todd Jackson, Charlee Chayatanan, Mike Fobeboy, Joel Saetern, and others. |
All photos are copyrighted.
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