lets talk empire skirts

[robinsnest]

To review. I'm making this:

Source: Uploaded by user via Robin on Pinterest

I'm currently working on the white under-dress. I'm making it a bib front because it seems like an excellent time to give that a try and I've been wanting to do it for ages. So why not?

I've heavily modified my standard regency bodice (the simplicity pattern) to follow the lines and shapes of this dress in patterns of fashion.

Source: janeaustensworld.files.wordpress.com via Robin on Pinterest

I'm cruising along on my bodice. Got it sewn together (Ha! there's two pieces!) and pinned to sew the neckline edges together, and now my attention has turned to the skirt. Gored or not gored? My last regency dresses have all been gored, but this pattern is NOT gored at all. And that would make putting on the hem band of decoration eleventy billion times easier...and I DID make long stays. But will being an apple shape not go well with a straight skirt? oh and for what it's worth I have zero hips.

So LJ oracle, gored or not gored?

Comments

[isabelladangelo.livejournal.com]

I'd go with not gored. It's easier, it's period, and it looks fine. ..and it means less seams to bother with! Just pleat up the four or so yards of fabric to the waistline and go! Well, for an apron front, it's three yards for the back of the dress and a yard panel for the "apron" part in the front but same basic idea.

[quincy134.livejournal.com]

I've done both gored and non-gored. I usually do non-gored these days because, as you say, it is easier. What helps it still have some shape is to let there be a good amount of gathers at the back, sometimes coming to the side seams, and then having no gathers in the front.

[blackcat452.livejournal.com]

Is there a year for that fashion plate? Usually earlier is non gored. And I think that is what it looks like. I think it will look fine on you, don't worry.

[mandie-rw.livejournal.com]

I'll join the chorus of not-gored skirts - like you say, eleventy billion times easier to put trim on, and more accurate for up to at least 1815. And just easier to deal with in general!