Help finding an 1820s dress pattern (with pictures)

[sleepyjean17]

Hi! I'm making a Little Dorrit dress based on the blue striped one in the 2008 mini-series. I might end up making my own pattern, but I thought it would me nice to use a commercial pattern this time. The trouble is, it's proving pretty difficult to find anything similar enough! The 1820s aren't exactly the most popular period to make patterns for.

Here are some pictures:

I think the whole idea of her dress is that it was purchased in the regency era and updated for the romantic era, but still isn't quite fashionable. The year is meant to be 1826.

It has princess seams both in front and back, with back closure, and front ruffles. The sleeves are shortish. There are undersleeves, but I don't need a pattern for those, or for the apron. There's also a matching pelerine you can see in some of the photos, but I don't need a pattern for that either.

Here are some patterns I've found:

Truly Victorian's "1830s Romantic Era Dress" TV455
Past Patterns' "1830-1836 Full High Gown" Past Patterns: 1830-1836 Full High Gown
Past Patterns' "Lowell Mill Dress" Past Patterns: #806 Lowell Mill Dress
Sense & Sensibility's "Romantic Era Dress" Romantic Era Dress PatternSense & Sensibility Patterns

For any of those, I'd have to do a bit of altering (especially for the sleeves), so it's hard to tell which one is best. Have you tried any of these? What are they like? Do you know of anything better?

Also, do you think she's wearing a corded petticoat under there? I know it was the fashion, but then she's not the most fashionable character, and her skirt seems a bit limp for that. Maybe just a tucked one? Or lightly corded?

 

[Eveningarwen]

have you looked on agelesspatterns.com

also here's a jane austen era pattern by mccall B6630 | Misses'/Misses' Petite Coat & Dress | Historical | Butterick Patterns

I know sometimes the commercial patterns aren't really accurate but if you're not into accuracy as much as wanting an easy pattern to alter that could work as well.

I dont know if you've found these places or not but just in case....: )

 

[Shylaah]

Have you checked out The Costumer's Guide to Movie Costumes

Regency
Regency Movies

or the links on the Costumer's Manifesto

There are many great resources on both those sites.

Does this McCall pattern have the right princess lines? I know the sleeves aren't right. Amy's dress actually looks like it has a waist...are you sure it's princess lines?

Shylaah

 

[MaulWalker]

I've used both Truly Victorian and Past Patterns. They are on a par with patterns from the big three pattern companies.

Ageless Patterns are beautiful, however you will need to be an experienced seamstress to use them. The patterns come in only one size and the instructions are from the the period. For instance, I made natural form suit (jacket and skirt), that only had one paragraph of instructions.

 

[mdb]

Have you made a decision yet? I have been looking at all my patterns and can't find anything better than the two past patterns linked I think they will offer the best best if the patterns are accurate and have the shaped lining. The darts and seams on that will give you the right shape

The other patterns are great but I think the fitting of the body would make them tough to adapt, mainly in the neck and shoulder region (by the 1830s the shoulder dropped and construction goes a little weird trying to acheive that look, for those following along )

As you mentioend making your own pattern I figured you would be good with scaling up a diagram but sadly none of my copyright free scans or online links have the right shape
If you have access to Cut of Women's Clothes there is a pattern or two that could be used as a guide:
Diagram XL, 1825 evening dress Gallery of English Costume, Manchester
Okay.. one..
Patterns of Fashion 1 has a few period diagrams:
page 11 sleeve patterns
Page 12 has a diagram for measurements, but it is 1830s.
page 13 has a fabric layout guide
page 16 again has a later pattern (has the squared off back princess seams)

I may be able to help if you haven't already gotten hold of those books


It's a lovely dress, and actually a little posh.. the fabric is sheer and laid over a darker fabric which is a layering technique I adore.

And I think you are right about there not being a corded petticoat :0 Ther eis the sheer layer (with glorious tucks at the hem) and then the solid dark skirt and possibly one more petticoat underneath- but I find my Lizzy dress has the same sort of fullness and that is just the two layers as mentioned