Red ball-dress

After so many heavy dresses for historic balls, I wanted one for regular balls in which I can dance the whole night through without restrictions. What else to use but a high-waisted regency shape? I merged my own ideas with a dress I saw in a shop window and used up some fabric I already had.

The dress consists of two layers, the under-layer of red rayon (or cotton-lycra mix for the bust part) and the outer layer of transparent red polyester chiffon. And yes, this dress at last can go straight into the washing machine, despite the bead embroidery along the neckline.

The bust part is self-supporting and optimizes the bust size, so I needn't wear a push-up. The six parts of the skirt follow - as so often - my old princess-seam dress. Cut straight from bust to waist, the dress doesn't get too bulky and I retain my slender shape. From the waist downwards, the parts are cut as wide as possible. At the back is a zipper hidden under a fake sash.

Millefiori summer-skirt

Last summer I decided I need more summer skirts and dresses. Shopped. Bought. And then there wasn't much of a summer and hence not much motivation. I finished the skirt this year. It's made from just 1 metre of black cotton with a white millefiori-print.

Tear off two pieces that are approximately knee-length plus some allowance for the hem and join them into a tube at the short sides, leaving one side about 10 cm open for the zipper. Hem one of the long sides and pleat or draw the other side to fit your waist. Cut a strip of the remaining fabric, fold it lengthwise and iron some fusing web on one side. Sew the pleated skirt to this side of the strip (right on right),  sew the other edge to the inside of the skirt and iron the waistband flat. Insert a zipper and, if you like, a hook and eye for extra security - and voilá, there's your new summer skirt! :)

 And because it was done so quickly and I found such a lovely piece of fabric which I couldn't resist - yet another skirt of exactly the same making with an extra-cute pattern of little hearts.

Regency ball gown

Well, I know, I already have one... But does that really matter if you find some nice fabric? Unfortunately it's only polyester, and the gold embroidery is just machine-made - but considering that it looks nice enough from average distance and will go into the washing machine after the ball it perfectly serves the purpose of a good-look-easy-care ballgown. Although I'm already toying with the idea of improving the embroidery with a few golden beads and putting some golden lace around the neckline, which would totally defy the idea of putting it into the washing machine...

The whole pattern follows exactly my previously made white regency ball-gown, and I can even use the supporting chemise, which I remember was the toughest piece of work when I designed the other dress. And while the latter was decorated with pearls, this one is going to get golden decoration.

As the seam is embroidered I wasn't able to make length adjustments here. But a train was essential, so I had to adjust the length by curving the underbust seam. It pushes more fabric to the front, but with some adjustments in the folding it's ok.

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And to add to the splendour, I intend to make a velvet manteau to go with both my gowns, not so much for the cold evenings but for a splendid entrée ;)