Melinda's Jane Austen Dress

Jane Austen Regency Gown | Sense & Sensibility Patterns

Jane Austen Gown Trim | Sense & Sensibility Patterns

Regency Gown Train | Sense & Sensibility Patterns

Regency Gown Sleeve | Sense & Sensibility Patterns

When the opportunity presents itself, I love to help teen girls learn to sew or improve their skills. Last spring I was able to use the S&S Regency pattern with one of those girls. Melinda, like me, loves Jane Austen movies. We struck up a conversation about movies that led to a fun week of sewing during spring break. Although I have dozens of patterns we could have made, when Melinda saw the S&S Regency dress pattern, it was love at first sight. We cut out, learned to fit, laughed, sewed the bodice back pieces together wrong - twice(!), quoted Miss Austen and ended up with a great dress.This beautiful dress proves that sewing doesn't have to be expensive. The fabric was from my stash: a gorgeous, 100% cotton found for $1 a yard at Wal-Mart. We put an inexpensive, sheer ribbon trim on the front bodice seam and chose to add small train to the skirt. The dress may have cost less than $5 in materials, but the experience and friendship is priceless.Have a lovely week!Janel M.

This is such a fun, inspiring story, and the dress really did turn out beautifully at so little expense. Thanks for sharing, Janel!