The Uniform Dress
This is the piece that began my Exploring Memories 22/23 collection, the Uniform Dress. My idea was to create all subsequent pieces in this collection, with the option to be worn with this dress.
I wanted a Victorian era look. Dresses from the early 1800âs usually, not always, had many pattern pieces. This dress pattern I draped with over 20 pattern pieces.
The dress fabric is utilitarian muslin, more of a twill weight. And most all muslin in this dress are left over pieces from other patterns I had test draped into other designs. I lined the bodice portion with flannel back satin for warmth. The cuffs include tiny, antique pearl buttons.
The long vest is an antique quilt top sourced on Etsy. Using the uniform dress pattern, and by not adding the sleeves, the vest was created. The button closures down the front are folded prairie points.
The collar I used small scraps of antique fabrics. Sewn in little odd shapes and lined with tea dyed scraps of muslin. Each piece was hand stitched together with pearl buttons, to form the collar shape. It simply lays over the shoulders. It can also be worn around the waist, or even a head wrap.
The exaggerated length pocket, worn as a purse, I designed. These pockets were worn under garments in the Victorian era. Keeping money or personal belongings. I brought it out in an over the shoulder purse form. I added past memories by machine quilting these onto the muslin before sewing into pocket/purse.
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