What a lovely closed gown!
The robe anglais was a popular style for almost the entire 18th century. In the early years, the gown betrayed its origins as a lounging robe by remaining open in front (though they hung closed).
By mid-century, they came to be sewn together in front. The gown opened by a center front opening on the bodice (which typically pinned closed) and what is termed an “apron front”. The gown skirts hung loose back to the pocket slits. This apron front was pleated to a waistband that tied around the waist inside the bodice before the bodice was pinned closed. This gave the effect of a gown with no skirt openings.
Our easy-to-use pattern, based on extant and pictorial examples, helps you make a fabulous Closed Robe Anglais or Gown en fourreau with stomacher or closed front as worn from the 1740s through the 1770s.
Fits busts 30½"-48" and waists 23"-41". All sizes in one envelope.
Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.
Suggested Fabrics: silk or fine wool
Notions: thread, tape or narrow-ware for apron front waistband
Yardage Requirements: 6 yds at least 60" wide