Ms. Elizabeth Bennett

Also by request, my halloween costume, which is an 1800's Regency dress, made from the Sense & Sensibility pattern (www.sensibility.com) and thoroughly modern upholstery fabrics. I learned alot making this dress, how to measure a hem (from the center of the back), and how to properly fit a sleeve. When I make the summer version of this dress I am going to add 2 inches to the bottom of the bodice, an inch to each armhole, and three to four inches to the length. I didn't listen to all that "make it out of muslin" advice I got. I really should have!

Lizzie types an email!
I loved the rich gathered fabric I used for the top layer. I used a simple drapery silk for the bottom layer since it was winter, and chilly out. The thinner dress silks just didn't seem warm enough! I didn't make the corset or under-dress, I just used my long johns! Maybe for the summer version :)

For the bonnet, I just followed the free simplicity Regency Bonnet pattern (www.simplicity.com) and used an old straw hat of my husbands. The best part is I can change the hat to match whatever dress I make, as all the ribbon and fabric are tacked on.