An Autumn Regency Fairy Tale

As all tried-and-true fairy tales begin, once upon a time...

As you may have read in my previous posts, I decided to do a Regency inspired take on the miller's daughter from Rumpelstiltskin for Halloween & the Trick-or-Treat in the Village event this year!  (View the in progress posts here: Part I, Part II & Part III)

I was also greatly inspired by Paul O. Zelinsky's stunning illustrations in his
retelling of the classic Grimm's fairy tale, Rumpelstiltskin.

Inside-Out: Worn over my 1810s strapped petticoat and silk ribbed stockings, you can read all about the details & construction of the dress here.  Accessories include a ruffly chemisette and a velvet braided hairpiece.

Completed Project Shots: 

“Sometimes fairy stories may say best what’s to be said.” ~C.S. Lewis

The other day had the most perfect autumn weather, so it was time for a photo-shoot!  (Good timing too, because it began to snow the next day.)  *All photographs courtesy of my sister - thanks a million!*

Who said that princesses don't climb trees?

Spinning straw into gold on my drop spindle.

Project Review

Year: None, Regency Inspired

Pattern: Dress of my own pattern, Chemisette started as Sense & Sensibility's Regency Underthings Pattern

Material: Gold striped cotton, black cotton broadcloth, black chiffon, white cotton, black velvet

Cost: Mostly stash fabric, yard of chiffon $4, buttons $9, 2 yards of gold rope trim $5, fake hair $12

Critique:  Well, for a non-historical gown, I'd say I'm quite proud of the construction, especially because a majority of the dress is hand sewn!  Though not exactly the design I had originally intended, I am very pleased with the result!  And, I definitely see more Regency dresses & frilly chemisettes in my future...Overall verdict I'd say is very satisfactory - though my spindle has been put away for now, I am looking forward to an occasion to bring it out again!

And she lived happily ever after...

“In a utilitarian age, of all other times, it is a matter of grave importance that fairytales should be respected.” ~Charles Dickens