Dearest Gentle Sewist...
Our favourite regency romance popped back onto tv screens this Spring, bringing a new season of fashionable inspiration. The Cinderella story has been reimagined with a masked ball encounter, an innocent servant with a cruel stepmother, a lost glove and a lovestruck gentleman who must search for his one true partner.
For your next regency recreation let’s look at the colours, fabrics and silhouettes that may inspire you!
Sparkle in Silver
Silver is a key color at the start of the latest season, from the shiny gowns to the glittering chandeliers; This glittering detail contributes to the fairy tale at the heart of this story. Choose fabrics with metallic threads like lame or brocade, or that reflect light such as satin and silks.
Perfect for dancing the night away, the silver S3263 dress features light layers, ruched empire line bodice and puffed sleeves.
We loved the more modern 60s silhouettes that snuck into this season. Why not try V1965, a 60s empire bust gown with scoop back and charming bow detail.
For satin, choose V2033 for a flowing bias cut skirt with lots of drape and an eye-catching swag detail.
Delicate Adornments
Elevate your makes with 3d trims, flower motif lace or beads, sequins and pearls. Embellishing your make can make it feel more professional and special. You don't need fancy hand sewing skills to attach trims — many can be machine sewn in place which saves time — but hidden hand stitches often look best.
The prettiest sky blue S3263 dress is trimmed with pretty beaded flowers and lace trims around the front and hem.
M8648 is embellished with sweet ribbon roses hand sewn down the edges of the open robe dress.
S9502 is a bestselling design launched a few years ago, with fantastic sleeve decoration where ribbon ruffles and fabric rosettes make an eye-catching feature.
Eye-catching Empire Lines
This high-waisted style, sitting just below the bust is best when made in light, pliable fabrics but Bridgerton bucks the trend by also showing it in stiffer brocades and jacquard often with matching jackets.
M8647 is charming in both silks and cottons and the empire line bodice features a bias cut gathered panel - we had fun playing with stripe direction on our blue and white version.
N6789 View E is a simple collarless jacket with pleat sleeve detail and single button closure, perfect for shimmering brocade.
For a two piece look, check out M7493 as it has a long robe style coat or short cropped peplum jacket to pair with an empire line dress. Sew in the same fabric for the ultimate Bridgerton look!
Don't Lose Your Gloves
A vital Regency-era fashion staple representing social status, virtue, and modesty... this season, the glove takes centre stage as the masked engenue leaves behind a satin glove at the masquerade ball.
For a classic elbow-length glove perfect for a ball, we recommend M7397. It's a cosplay pattern but the basic shape is perfect for historical costumes too.
Another fun option is B6398. View C features lace details on the arms and cinchable drawstrings at the elbow. This is a really versatile pattern with six versions included.
For a daytime glove, V8311 would be a great choice as it includes lots of views; it can be made in stretch suede and leatherette and decorated with ruffles and button details.
Challenge Yourself
If you're new to costume sewing patterns, they aren't that different to our regular garment designs but may feature larger pattern pieces, unusual fabrics and trims and possibly some new techniques you haven't encountered before. This all means there's lots of learn with each project to boost your sewing skills!
Our curated collection — Regency and Beyond — offers a wide range of patterns for both beginner and advanced sewists, perfect for this time period and more modern interpretations you can fit into your everyday wardrobe.