Fitting an 18th-century dress BY MYSELF | Making an Italian Gown pt. 1

Welcome to part 1 of a 2 part series where I attempt to sew and fit an Italian gown from the 1780s. This video is the culmination of months of work sewing foundation garments and accessories for this ensemble. This is also my first attempt at sewing this style of dress and I'm nervous because I have to fit a very fitted bodice by myself without any help. Let's see how it goes...

*** SUPPLIES ***
Pattern: Black Snail - Robe a la Anglaise 1770-90 https://www.patterns.bplaced.net/schnitte/schnitt_detail.php?itemnr=42

Linen for lining and shift:
Ikea Duvet cover: search “Sprangort” on eBay
Synthetic whalebone: https://corsetmaking.com/german-plastic-boning-7mm-x-1mm.html


*** REFERENCES ***
Timesmith Dressmaking video on fitting an 18th-century gown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPPKFshOGvk
This channel is an invaluable resource for this time period!

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking: https://amzn.to/36twprc (affiliate link)


*** 1780s SEWING ***
Front-lacing Stays: https://youtu.be/H1g1NqEvhpc
(+Finishing the stomacher for the stays): https://youtu.be/Z-hOgSaYjLY
Big silk bonnet: https://youtu.be/n_p7esTcvG4
Split bum pad: https://youtu.be/AQrGUJ-3Nbg


*** IMAGES ***
Robe à l’Anglaise 1776 (English Gown)
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/159540

Robe à l’Anglaise 1785–95 (Italian Gown)
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/159201


*** MUSIC ***
Courtesy of EpidemicSound.com


*** CONNECT ***
Follow me on Instagram @dixiediy: http://instagram.com/dixiediy
I blog at http://dixiediy.com

I may not always have time to respond to all comments but know that I do appreciate them!