My next big project was supposed to be a gown for the PEERS Game of Thrones ball in February, but I’ve been distracted by my 18th century stays and now, a new 1850s plaid silk dress for the Dickens Fair.
I wasn’t planning to make a new dress for the fair, but then I ran across some lovely plaid silk for a bargain price of $60 for 6 yards of 54 inch fabric! It is a dupioni and not a taffeta but it’s not too slubby, and the busy pattern and dim light of Dickens will make it look nice.
Here are a couple sneak peeks.
Cartridge pleats! The skirt has its waistband, placket, hooks and eyes, and pockets. It still needs to be hemmed and trimmed. This was my first time doing cartridge pleats. I was originally planning to knife-pleat the skirt for speed, but then was home sick for 2 days with a cold, so what else can one do when Netflix is playing?
The pagoda sleeves are trimmed with satin ribbon.
The bodice is in progress. I still need to iron flat the seams, put in darts and closures, and do a lot of finishing. Matching curved plaid that isn’t symmetrical is driving me nuts! One part of a seam will match, and another not.
I had to pretty much redraft the pattern I’m using (Past Patterns 702), which was not designed for someone with my shape, but I will make a more detailed review in another post.
Fresh Frippery 
Looks good and the colors are fabulous. Nice work! I am tempted to do the side back pieces on the bias because matching curved pieces appears to be quite difficult.
Thanks! Ooh the bias idea is intriguing. It would help the curves lay a little nicer.
I always cut the side back on the bias in plaids and stripes. It keeps me sane and makes the waist look smaller. Cut the lining on the strait grain or it will stretch.
It didn’t even occur to me it would make the waist smaller too! I’ve already ripped out stitches a few times; I might as well do it again and cut out some new pieces. Thanks for the tips!
Post pictures when you do, I love this color combo! Hopefully I will see it in person, I’m going up to Dickens on the 13/14th.
I will post pictures when I am done. I am going to Dickens a different weekend. The weekend of the 13th is the Victorian Gaskells Ball. Maybe you can check it out while in town! http://www.gaskellball.com/index.htm