A Romantic Dress for Clara
The girls and I have been happily engrossed in the 1999 BBC miniseries Wives and Daughters, which we have never seen before. Daisy above everyone is obsessed with Molly, Roger, and Cynthia, and is full of questions. Why does Cynthia wear two buns AND a ponytail? Why is Molly good? Is it because she has better dresses? Did Roger die? And more.
Molly's dresses actually are enchanting, probably to the point where they truly would make you a better person. Clara wanted one and we made it from Sense and Sensibility's Romantic Era Dress pattern. Clara was confident that she could handle the Big Sleeves so we went for it.
I used a beautiful Moda print from their "Kansas Trouble" series. We piped the sleevebands and waistband in contrasting red, and trimmed the neckline with tiny cotton lace. Covered buttons do up the back. The skirt is two straight panels of fabric gathered, and the bodice is lined with a very delicate cream voile. 
And while wearing it so far, Clara hasn't jilted anyone at all.
24 comments:
I loved the series and loved the book even more. Except that, 600 pages in, I turn to the last chapter and discover that MRS. GASKELL DIED BEFORE SHE FINISHED THE BOOK!!!
ARRGH!!
So now I warn everyone, before they spend a week of their lives reading it. The editor writes of how she intended to finish it, but it's not there. :(
The dress is lovely.
Wives and Daughters is one of my favorite movies, I'd like to read the book.
I've been wanting to watch this and even got the movie from the library, but I haven't been able to manage it with my little one.
Maybe I can try reading the book: if I know the last chapter's not there when I start, I might not be so mad when I get to the end.
She looks beautiful! I've never even heard of the movies; clearly I'm going to have to check them out!
I absolutely love Wives and Daughters and Clara's dress is just lovely! I'm rather inspired now. :) And quite in the mood to go watch the movie again!
The dress and your daughter are beautiful. I think I'm going to have to get me some Sense & Sensibility Patterns.
"Wives and Daughters" is my FAVORITE. And, Anna, you did lovely work on Clara's dress and the finishing details of covered buttons, piping, and lace edging.
Beautiful dress for a lovely young lady. I enjoy your blog very much.
The dress is beautiful. I love the tiny print and she was right the big sleeves are perfect. The very last picture in this post is gorgeous.
How lovely! That dress suits Clara so well, and I would imagine that the full skirt facilitates cello playing!
Our family loves "Wives and Daughters" -- although my dad asks why Cynthia always seems to be wearing a fruit basket on her head ;-) Excellent movie, excellent book.
I so enjoy seeing all of your sewing projects!
Yours in Christ,
Shannon
Sigh...so lovely!
So beautiful! I adore the red piping!
I am not sure my daughters would handle the sleeves as well as Clara does. Gorgeous for playing the cello in.
I read the book a few years ago and loved it, though the end was disappointing, but of course she couldn't help it!
I received the movie this Christmas. We've watched it several times and love every minute of it! The costumes are incredible. I would dress like Mollie everyday if I could. Maybe I'll continue in my sewing a make a dress myself--think they come in maternity styles? Me either.
Clara, what a beautiful young woman you are!!
Warm greetings,
Rhonda in Montreal
What a lovely dress, on a lovely girl! Our Clara is 3, and she was very impressed, and wants a dress just like that when she's a big girl, so, I told her I'd think about getting the pattern. LOL! Unfortunately, I'm not as accomplished a seamstress as you, what a beautiful job! Great post!
The dress is absolutely beautiful!!
Julieann
The dress is lovely (as are all your dresses!), and she looks like a princess in it!
I was introduced to Wives and Daughters last week by a dear friend. I really enjoyed it...so much so that I watched it in one sitting.
Clara's dress is beautiful...I've often thought it would be nice to have a Regency dress but I do not have the sewing expertise that you do. Well done!
how lovely! I have never seen the film but the dress is simply beautiful..Clara wears it well too!
Blessings
Grace
The dress is wonderful and I plan to check out the book/mini series.
The last picture of Clara is an especially wonderful portrait of her.
My kids and I have been watching the same. I read the book last week and just had to see the movie. The kids absolutely love it. My girls are currently trying to figure out how we can order the patterns for the dresses earlier than plan, lol!
That's a beautful dress. I love the fabric you used for it.
The dress is just lovely, and I like the apron too..
Ruth
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