I’m calling this a quick regency dress because there wasn’t a lot of planning ahead or blogging during steps, fitting was easy because I’ve used the pattern before, and the event I’m wearing it to is next week!
The pattern is Butterick B6074 view B, with minor modifications. The fabric is a printed silk taffeta from my stash.
The bodice is gathered in the front, and the stiffness of the taffeta gives the bust more fullness than I have in real life. 😉
The pattern has drawstring closures at the neckline and waistline, which is period, but I prefer hooks and eyes when the fabric is not a soft cotton.
If you’re curious about how to put in hooks and eyes to minimize gapping, I have the hooks away from the edge, and the eyes sticking over the edge. (Some people also alternate hooks and eyes on each side. I am lazy, and also wanted to use up the last few inches of hook and eye tape that I had).
I serged the armscye and bottom of the bodice to keep them neat. The shoulder straps are sewn in by hand. Here’s an inside look at the dress.
I have a pelisse that I will be wearing over this if the weather is cold, so I admit to be a little sloppy in some of my construction, but eh, I find most people are too distracted by pretty fabric to care. =)
I also made a matching reticule, with my leftover fabric and lining. I made the tassel out of some thick thread.
Project costs:
- 5 yards printed silk taffeta: $38 including shipping from a destash group; I have about 2 yards left over
- Pattern: $0, already used for another dress
- Bodice lining: $0, scraps from another project
- Skirt lining: 2 yards cotton voile: ~$13 with tax and shipping (purchased with other items from Dharma Trading Co.)
- Thread, lace scrap, and hooks and eyes: ~$5 from stash
- Silk ribbon: $0, left over from another project
Total: ~$56 (even less if I sell the leftover 2 yards of taffeta to recoup some costs). Not bad for a silk dress!
I plan to wear this dress with my Pemberly slippers from American Duchess, and some beautiful new grape earrings from The Lady Detalle.
I look forward to wearing this print! Simple, but cute. 
Fresh Frippery 
It’s charming! And I like the accent of the purple earring–a nice touch!
Thank you Sharon! The event is at a winery, so I thought it would be the perfect accessory!
Those earrings are perfect for a winery! It’s a really pretty dress and I will try the eye and hook trick next project.
Thanks Cindy, and I hope it works for you!
Cute! I am also trying to bang out a regency dress for next weekend, except I’ve never made one before… The serger is definitely making an appearance!
Thanks! If I had to make a last-minute gown, Regency would be it. Much simpler than a lot of other eras! If you haven’t picked a pattern yet, the kind with the drawstring neck and waist should go together even quicker.
Such a beautiful dress dear 😁😁 The grape earrings are super adorable. Love it x x
Thank you! I’m looking forward to wearing the whole outfit!
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Wow so exciting. My friend and I both want to make this pattern for a costume party, but I wanted to check how you found the fit/measurements/size. I often find that the Big 4 come out much too big when I choose my size based on the measurements and am interested in your experience?
Hi, yes this pattern runs a little large. I’m flat-chested and according to the size chart I’m a size 10 in the bust and size 14 in the waist. I ended up cutting a size 8 and it fit fine.
thanks very much!
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