Buttercream Evening Dress

Costumes > Buttercream Evening Dress

	Victorian 1850's style dress for Gaskell's fashioned after a fashion print from Godey's January 1850. Yellow satin ended up lighter than in plate especially with flash photography and flowers ended up larger than in print. A striped sheer was used in place of the lace. Bertha ruffles were more gathered which makes the dress look like a 1940s version of an 1850s dress (think "Gone With the Wind").
	The Inspiration Fashion plate from Godey's January 1850.
	Bodice Light yellow polyester satin, boned, off-the-shoulder bodice with back lacing through buttonholes, five tiered ruffled sheer striped bertha with darker yellow satin yoke hook and eye closure, ruffled striped sheer around neckline, and purchased artificial roses and pansies down center attached via loops. Gathered sleeves slightly darker color with sheer striped overlay on cuff. Body based on Simplicity 5724. This pattern has very limited arm mobility. Arms end up in a down position which was very fashionable at the time. Pictured is a first try of the bodice with the undersleeve which was very restrictive. Changed the undersleeve to a gathered puff which gives a little more movement but arms still cannot be moved above the head.
	Skirt Yellow satin two tiered skirt with stripe overlay on bottom tier. 3 rows of stripe on upper tier. Cartridge pleats, hook and eye back closure, grossgrain waistband, hidden pockets. Purchased artificial roses and pansies are attached to the dress via loops. Ribbon trim on decorative tiers and hem.

Completed: April 2006