1780s printed cotton robe à lAnglaise, 2008

The dress is made of 18th century reproduction Dutch chintz and lined with linen. It is hand sewn with linen tread. Each piece of the bodice is lined separately attaching them together with running stitch with the seam allowances on the inside. The pieces are then whip stitched together. The skirt top is folded in shape, pleated and then whip stitched to the bodice. Striped silk sash is made of two lengths of fabric, edged with a rolled hem.

Construction pictures:

The petticoat:

It's made of three panels of sheer cotton, whip stitched together at the selvedge. I made slits on both sides, folded and pleated the top edges and whip stitched them on long tapes, front and back separately. It is worn over hand sewn linen petticoat and a false rump.

The rump:

It is hand sewn, linen with linen tread, filled with unprocessed cotton fiber.

I based it on this drawing from Manchester Art Gallery:

Direct link to the picture