Pretty Polonaise - Help?
A friend just gave me a polonaise that she had started a few years ago for her sister, who no longer wants it. So pretty! Cream & tan striped cotton, scattered with pink flowers (cabbage roses and not quite period gerber daisies). It's taken from the c. 1770-1785 Snowshill Manor pattern in Janet Arnold's Patterns of Fashion 1, the polonaise with tapes that loop up to buttons on the outside ( this gown).
My questions: It should be worn over a shift, corset, bum roll, and petticoats, correct? Naturally, I have none of them. Any suggestions on patterns? I'm thinking of using Butterick 4254 for the stays, mostly because I already own it (and I'm not too concerned about historical accuracy with this - it's more just for fun than any type of reenactment).
Also, any particular style of trim? The illustration shows (and Arnold discusses) pinked, box-pleated trim down the front edge, neckline, and in a serpentine pattern at the sides. Any other styles of trim that would be appropriate as well, maybe a little simpler in nature? Rachel is lending me her Janet Arnold, so I can take the pattern for the detachable sleeve ruffles.
My questions: It should be worn over a shift, corset, bum roll, and petticoats, correct? Naturally, I have none of them. Any suggestions on patterns? I'm thinking of using Butterick 4254 for the stays, mostly because I already own it (and I'm not too concerned about historical accuracy with this - it's more just for fun than any type of reenactment).
Also, any particular style of trim? The illustration shows (and Arnold discusses) pinked, box-pleated trim down the front edge, neckline, and in a serpentine pattern at the sides. Any other styles of trim that would be appropriate as well, maybe a little simpler in nature? Rachel is lending me her Janet Arnold, so I can take the pattern for the detachable sleeve ruffles.