Victorian/Edwardian dresses are SO feminine… Rebecca’s very happy…

I didn’t sew too much on Rebecca’s dress, but I bet you’ll think I did! With a skirt added, it looks totally different. The sleeve headers added inside the sleeves make them look much more Victorian and you can definitely see the difference. These might be the largest and puffiest sleeves I’ve ever done. Rebecca likes them… that’s what matters, I guess.

I added a band at the hips and then added a pretty gathered skirt section. I only had 3 fat quarters of this fabric and wasn’t sure there would be enough for pleats. I think the gathers look nice and feminine. I didn’t have the exact same color thread as what I needed to hem the dress, so you might see some raveled threads hanging down.

I was debating about a muffin hat, but think I like the idea of just a simple bow. I took a scrap of my fabric and tied it into a knot and just sat it on top of Rebecca’s head. I like the look…so I’ll probably just do the bow.

There is still a sash to be made, snaps and buttons for the back, hemming to do, maybe a necklace and maybe a slip and thigh highs… See… I still have lots to do, but it’s getting there. The more I look at this fabric, the more sure I am about calling it turquoise. It’s very pretty in person!

See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne

15 thoughts on “Victorian/Edwardian dresses are SO feminine… Rebecca’s very happy…”

  1. Today the fabric looks less silky, but is just as nice. You once did a series of dresses with leaves — here’s another one for that collection. It’s going to be fun to see the buttons you choose, and the accessory. I agree with the bow — it will be pretty but not distract from the dress. Seeing what you do with her hair will also be interesting. You are much better with doll hair than most people, and Rebecca’s seems to lend itself to attractive styles. How do you feel about a lace trimmed cotton, maybe batiste, slip for this dress? I don’t know that it really needs one — once the hem is in, the skirt will have plenty of body, but the slips do add an extra touch of specialness.

    It’s snowing. They have been saying it would, but it kept not being true.

    1. HI Marilyn,
      Yep, another leaf dress… isn’t this fabric just the prettiest? I love it… and could only find it in the fat quarters… not on the bolt.
      I have been helping my mom this afternoon and haven’t even made it into my sewing room yet. I had big plans for Rebecca’s dress, but so far…zilch!
      I think I will make her a drop waist slip, but not too full.
      I can’t believe you’re getting snow… oh Marilyn,, how can you stand it? We had a beautiful day in the 70’s here.
      Thanks so much,
      Blessings, Jeanne

      1. The snow melted, the poor bent over trees popped back up, the sidewalks dried — and now it’s snowing again. This is the price for green lawns in summer. I think it will be in the 70s by the end of the week.

  2. Very pretty and dainty, Jeanne! I love the big, poufy sleeves, and the fact that the bodice isn’t overly full and falling over the skirt, like some Victorian styles do. You can actually see that it has a dropped waist! Can’t wait to see what else comes to this pretty outfit, and Rebecca is going to be feeling so special wearing it! Yes, the bow on top is just perfect—a nice big one!

    Glad you are finally getting snow Marilyn! Well, if you are happy, I’m happy!!

    1. Hi Linda,
      I want to get in my sewing room and get Rebecca’s dress finished. I had to get some thread to match it for the hem.
      I have it pictured in my mind and I hope it looks that way when I’m finished.
      How are the kitchen floors looking? Only 3 more days…you can make it!
      Blessings, Jeanne

  3. It’s my favorite style of dress, the dropped waist. Maybe a straight slip like we used to wear under every dress and wouldn’t be caught without one would be appropriate. I’ve got a pattern for 18″ doll clothes that has one that is straight and not fluffy. It’s a beautiful dress and can’t wait to see the finished ensemble.

    Glad it wasn’t snowing last Saturday as I went on a hike with family in San Marcos Canyon to see the Lizard’s Mouth rock formation. I went 3/4 of the way and decided not to tempt fate but saw a wonderful view of Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean and the islands from the rocky cliffs. Hope your snow is over for the year, Marilyn.

    1. Thank you Susette,
      Rebecca’s slip will have to be drop waisted for sure this time…I might add it to the dress instead…
      It’s amazing how you can have beautiful weather in California like we are having here in Southern Illinois and in between us is Marikyn, in Colorado with SNOW! Poor baby!
      Blessings, Jeanne

  4. The dress is lovely. You’re right about it being feminine. I love the sleeves. They’re so poofy and the little bands of lace are the perfect highlight.
    I agree about the bow for her hair. I think it is the perfect addition. It adds a little something without taking attention away from her dress.
    Hope you have a good day.
    Take care.

    1. Hi Charlotte,
      Thanks for your compliments on Rebecca’s dress. She does wear this turquoise color very well. I can’t wait to get it finished…
      The hair bow is definitely what I’m going to do…
      Thanks so much,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  5. My favorite color, turquoise! Yesterday, I was seeing it as more teal in color, but today definitely turquoise. I think that my eyes were picking up on the darker flower colors. Anyway, it is a beautiful dress.
    Took a drive to the coast yesterday and had lunch. Other person here had fresh salmon tacos. Looked delicious. I stuck with my favorite grilled chicken sandwich. Tide was out, but lots of birds diving for a snack.
    We actually have more rain scheduled for later this week.

    1. Hi Joy,
      Oh, someone else who loves the turquoise color…I really think Rebecca wears this well.
      Everyone is out enjoying their wonderful except Marilyn, who is bring pelted with more snow!
      It sounds like you and Susette had lovely days for lovely trips!
      Blessings, Jeanne

  6. There still may be lots to do, Jeanne, but Rebecca’s dress with the beautiful lace bodice and grand puffy sleeves looks so charming! However you choose to finish it, I know it will suit Rebecca well and we will be delighted with the details.

    Susette’s hike with her family sounds inspirational, and Joy’s lunch at the coast sounds relaxing. Hope you and all your readers are able to enjoy some time and make some memories with those they love. Blessings for your Tuesday, Jeanne!

    1. Hi Anne,
      I can’t wait to get this dress of Rebecca’s finished. It’s already so pretty on her…I can’t wait to get everything else done.
      My hubby had a day off from his chemo this week and just took it easy. I had a busy day and hope to get at least a little bit of sewing done before bedtime.
      Thanks Anne,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  7. Rebecca is looking lovely in her dress. I had to laugh when I saw the big, puffy sleeves and your comment on them. I immediately thought of Anne flaunting her huge puffy sleeved blue dress. I loved the Anne books as a child, read them over every summer from the time I was ten until thirteen or fourteen. The dress looks nice with just the dropped waist instead of the blouson waist that Victorian dresses sometimes have. A big “Victorian” style bow is perfect.

    1. Hi Laura,
      I’m happy that you’re liking the “more straight lined” dress. I was going to make it a blouson type but forgot to cut it wider at the bottom edge. It’s probably better though…the lace is pretty wide and I didn’t want to gather it up, so just a straighter look was probably a wiser choice. Now to get the rest finished…
      Thank you Laura,
      Blessings, Jeanne

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