When My corset obsessed 13 year old student, Dalia, wanted to move onto a new bigger project, she chose the Italian Gown featured in the American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking. What a pretty gown it is! In order to give proper instruction and guidance in the process, I decided to make one myself.
Read moreMaking an 18th Century Bergere and Cap
It’s always exciting to get to the stage in the costume making where I get to make a coordinating hat. And this project was no exception. I decided on a Bergere, which is French for Shepherdess, because, well, Bo Peep! I jest. But really, I do love the whole 18th century shepherdess look. I really chose this style because it was very popular in the 18th Century and it is very pretty as well as easy to wear. The style is also the base hat for two hats in the American Duchess guide to 18th Century Dressmaking which is where I got my inspiration for my 18th Century Italian Gown.
Read moreMaking a 1780's Italian Gown - Part 1
Ever since I was a wee little girl, and while reading The Real Mother Goose, I have loved the “Bo-Peep” look of the 1780’s. I definitely did not equate the look to the Era at the time (because I was a child), but in retrospect, realized that was exactly what I loved about the book. Those dresses are the prettiest!
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