2 in stock
Laughing Moon Mercantile Ladies' Robe en Chemise with optional train, puffed or long sleeves, two bodice gathering options, with or without ruffles. Circa 1790 - 1800
The first types of Robe en Chemise were basically tubes of fabric that were drawn up close to the body by drawstrings in channels. #133 Robe en Chemise does not rely on fully functioning drawstrings to keep the fabric drawn in. This is the type of transitional Robe en Chemise has all the gathers fixed; either by a waistband or fixed gathers at neck and arm, for the puffed sleeve. The bodice opens in back and is tied together with drawstrings. It does not overlap; center back just meets. The bodice ends about half-way between underbust and natural waist. The appearance of the placement of the waist can be changed by tying the sash in different heights on the body. The bodice can be made with or without the bodice lining that is provided in the pattern. The bodice can be made as in View A, with limited gathering front and back or it can be made as in View B with full gathering at front and back. Both Views do
not have gathering under the arms on the bodice, reducing bulk in
this area. Both Views can have a high or lower neckline at the front
and can have a ruffle at the neck and arm or can be left plain. The
ruffles are separate from the dress. The ruffle width, fullness, and
the fabric used can be changed as desired by the maker. Either View
can have the puffed sleeve or long slim sleeve. Either View can have
a train, though the train fabric requirements are not included in View
A.
Fabric: cotton or silk. Cotton: muslin, lawn, mousseline, voile,
organdy, gauze, batiste. Silk: taffeta, organza. Both views are best
made with a light weight fabric with good body. Drapery fabrics
should be avoided. Most Robes en Chemise were made of plain
white fabric but there are some examples of printed or figured,
striped, checked, dotted, especially Swiss, embroidered, spangled, or
all over motifs. Lining: muslin or silk Habotai (China Silk). Notions:
2 yards cotton or linen 3/8" tape. Optional, hooks and eyes
to close the back
Package contains: Paper pattern and instructions for sizes US 8 - 34
