Rare Regency Period Day Gown, c.1810.

 This wonderful gown is made from a crepe like silk ( I am sure there is a specific name for this but I don’t know it) in an ivory color. Lined only in the bodice and sleeves with a fine natural color muslin. Closes in the back with a drawstring at the high waist, the top was probably pinned closed as we can find no evidence of another closure. This is of course, entirely handsewn. The photos really say it best, we have included many of them to show all the lovely details. The condition is good considering its great age, structurally it is very sound. We have photographed the only existing hole of any consequence which is near the hem and measures about 2” long. There is an old mend across the front which is hard to see, that measures about 3” long, this was done very well and probably at the time of use. There are a number of light stains, the worst of which is at the bottom near the hem, the others are much smaller and scattered. There are faint perspiration marks under the arms but the fabric is solid with no splits or rips. There is no splitting or disintegration of the fabric that we can find. The silk is very flexible and has an almost bouncy feel to it. Crease near bottom caused by original hem being turned up at some point, this has been let back down but not aggressively ironed as I was afraid of damaging the silk. Original narrow hem still remains intact. This piece could NEVER be worn but would display quite nicely in a collection. We have shown it on a size 1 dress form which measures 32” bust, 22 1/2” waist, 33” hips and it fits perfectly. Dress measures about 48” long in the front and slightly longer in the back. This dress came from a Maine estate and probably originates from that region.

I meet the owner of this gorgeous original regency gown on S&S's message board and asked if she would mind me using her pictures. Just from the pictures alone I am drooling. She has created a dress like this one of her very own dyed blue gauze.  So pretty! Check it out here...

It's made of silk gauze and lined in cream cotton.  The neck is trimmed with blue and cream cording.  The sleeves are trimmed with cording and blue silk ribbon.  The bodice closes in back with drawstrings, still present on the top but missing from the bottom.  The skirt is unfortunately (and obviously!) gone, but a few very small traces remain.  One of the darts.  If you look very closely you can see where stitching has been picked out to make the bodice smaller.  You can also see the difference in stitching in the bodice hem.The inside of the sleeve.  Hard to tell what it is, I know!  It is a good view of the seams though, none of them are finished!  Another feature I'm not copying.  This may have lasted 200 years without finished seams, but I don't trust something of mine to last two weeks without them :)