Shannon Hollis: Diary of a ballgown

Diary of a Ballgown

It is a fact universally acknowledged that a lady cannot attend a ball without a ballgown. My task was clear: Find a pattern, find fabric, find trim, and begin. To give myself a deadline, I entered the gown in a local art show, five months away.

The patterns came from Truly Victorian and Ageless Patterns. I used the TV Evening Bodice, and combined the front of the TV French Fan skirt with the back of the AP Ballgown.

1. Since Victorian bodices were very close-fitting, I began with a muslin mockup and custom fit it. It subsequently becomes the bodice lining. (Mustn't waste that fabric!) 2. Combining two skirt patterns is always tricky. I had to strike a balance between a clean line and enough skirt room to be able to polka with an energetic partner. And don't even get me started on the difficulties of a lined, double-box-pleated train ...

3. The bodice is boned along all seams and darts, interlined with denim, then lined with the original muslin. It goes over a corset, and then you try to dance in it. No wonder ladies were always fainting. 4. The sleeves are lined with netting to hold their shape, and lined again with cotton so the netting doesn't irritate the wearer's arms.

5. Five months later, it's nearly finished, and the art show is three days away. 6. Bodice detail featuring shoulder bows of gold tissue and beaded roses.

7. Off to the ball, July 2002.


1. Since Victorian bodices were very close-fitting, I began with a muslin mockup and custom fit it. It subsequently becomes the bodice lining. (Mustn't waste that fabric!)	2. Combining two skirt patterns is always tricky. I had to strike a balance between a clean line and enough skirt room to be able to polka with an energetic partner. And don't even get me started on the difficulties of a lined, double-box-pleated train ...

3. The bodice is boned along all seams and darts, interlined with denim, then lined with the original muslin. It goes over a corset, and then you try to dance in it. No wonder ladies were always fainting.	4. The sleeves are lined with netting to hold their shape, and lined again with cotton so the netting doesn't irritate the wearer's arms.

5. Five months later, it's nearly finished, and the art show is three days away.	6. Bodice detail featuring shoulder bows of gold tissue and beaded roses.

7. Off to the ball, July 2002.