Sewing an 18th Century Dress for the Bridgetown Ball

This May, my mum and I are off to the Bridgetown Ball—a grand 18th-century-inspired soirée filled with dancing, beautiful gowns, and plenty of powdered wigs! Of course, that means I need to sew myself something suitably fabulous to wear.

The Plan: DIY Historical Glamour

I’ve chosen to make my gown using Simplicity 8411, a pattern that includes a full dress and, most importantly, panniers—the structured underpinnings that create the iconic wide skirt silhouette of the era. I love that this pattern comes with everything I need to achieve the right shape without hunting for extra patterns or drafting my own panniers from scratch.

But the real star of this project? The fabric! I’m making this entire dress from a secondhand curtain. I have my fingers crossed that it’s enough fabric to work with—I might need to get creative with piecing or find a clever way to make it stretch, but that’s part of the fun of upcycling.

Why a Curtain?

Aside from the obvious cost-saving benefits, using a curtain is actually quite fitting for an 18th-century gown. Many period dresses were made from heavy brocades and jacquards, similar to what you’d find in upholstery and drapery fabrics. Plus, repurposing fabric aligns with my love for sustainable sewing—I get to give this material a second life as something completely new and exciting!

The Challenge Ahead

Sewing a historical dress, especially one with structured elements like panniers, is definitely a step up from my usual projects. I expect some fiddly moments with fitting, boning, and working with layers of fabric, but I’m excited to take on the challenge. I’ll likely need to make a few modifications along the way, whether that’s tweaking the bodice fit or adjusting the skirt fullness to work with the amount of fabric I have.

Join Me on the Journey

I’ll be sharing my progress as I go—expect plenty of fabric cutting, pannier construction, and probably a bit of last-minute sewing panic! If you’re interested in attending the Bridgetown Ball, you can find ticket details here. Maybe I’ll see you there, all dressed up in 18th-century finery!

Have you ever sewn a historical costume? Let me know your tips, fabric struggles, or favorite pattern recommendations in the comments!

Freya x