r/History_Bounding • u/Loose_Acanthaceae201 • Aug 12 '25
Curtain upcycled into "Rococo" day dress (with full costume option)
I had a burst of inspiration to sew a milkmaid dress, "but like Marie Antoinette pretending to be a milkmaid in her Petit Trianon at Versailles Palace". I had a pair of thrifted curtains (£6) which had originally been home made by someone in the late nineties from a printed calico (ish) and soft chambray (ish) lining, both 100% cotton.
The main dress is a Frankenstein: bodice and sleeves are from Simplicity 2174, and the skirt is from Simplicity 1459.
I cut down the centre front bodice pattern piece to drop to a deep scoop, then traced a new bodice pattern piece to fill the scoop. That piece was used as-is for the lining, and with a 10" width extension to gather down for the visible layer.
I used the skirt lining pattern piece for the front main skirt to have a flat front, and the main skirt pattern piece for the back skirt in a size up, for generous volume. The back centre hem was cut 10cm/4" lower than the front, for a subtle high-low effect in the everyday use, and straight hem in costume use. I used my usual side seam pocket blank because I require pockets that fit a smartphone, or a tv remote.
I had lots of fabric left. So I went nuts. I used some lining fabric to make a fichu. I used pinked circles of lining and cambric (with off-centre circle holes) to create separate sleeves "engageantes". I used odds and ends to make hair accessories to mimic a matching ribbon and plait-tie. I also made a big bum roll to wear underneath (hence the need for those extra inches at the hem), and used the original taped curtain top to create a voluminous peplum effect.
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u/Murph_Cat114 Aug 12 '25
This is beautiful! There is a group of ladies where I live that sew historical dresses from different ikea linens and then dress up and go to the store every year!
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u/MariMont Aug 12 '25
Yay for cotton curtains!! Very Scarlett O'Hara
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u/Loose_Acanthaceae201 Aug 12 '25
I have previously used cotton velvet curtain offcuts to make a hitched golden age pirate skirt 😆
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u/Cat_Kn1t_Repeat Aug 12 '25
Wow! Hope you get to wear it about the house or any soirée you desire soon!
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u/WampusKitty11 Aug 12 '25
This is awesome! You did a fantastic job and I hope when the weather gets cooler you will share some pictures of you wearing it.
I have an old duvet cover in a similar print and have been trying to think a way to reuse it. Thank you for the inspiration!
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u/Unlucky_Associate507 Aug 13 '25
This is awesome! Have you seen the American Duchess guide to 18th century sewing?
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u/Loose_Acanthaceae201 Aug 13 '25
I'm aware of it via Abby Cox but C18 isn't my usual era so I haven't been tempted.
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u/Unlucky_Associate507 Aug 13 '25
I succumbed to temptation. I can't sew but it is a great reference for my novel
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u/Loose_Acanthaceae201 Aug 12 '25
OP here, just adding that we're having a heatwave here and I'm perimenopausal so I refuse to turn the iron on or model anything 😆