Ca. 1770 Long-Back English Gown in Cotton Tartan Weave

The idea of making this gown began in early 2021, sparked by a lucky fabric find.  I came across over 6.0 metres of 152cm wide (!!!) cotton on sale in a small local shop, the fabric woven in a reduced-scale sett pattern of the official Nova Scotia tartan (Nova Scotia being my current home Province).  Buying the "real thing" at that time, i.e. the true Nova Scotia tartan in 100% wool, was not an option at the usual price of at least $50 per metre. 

Besides, I felt the cotton fabric was a better, more comfortable (and washable!) choice for upcoming summer wear, when we all hoped Covid might disappear and historical events re-appear.  Alas, Covid had other ideas.  But being ever the incurable optimist, I made the gown anyway, and the bright, cheery, positive colour of the cotton fabric made it all the more enjoyable to work with.  

Some photos of me wearing the gown on a blustery spring day in 2021 are included in my comical blog/video at the link below, but I've also added pictures here for reference. ​

An 18thC. Day at Fort Anne

This gown was cut in the "long-back" English style, and worn over my "go-to" iridescent yellow taffeta petticoat.  Incidentally, please don't use "en fourreau" when referring to these types of gowns -- to see why, read my academic paper on the subject here:  

Understanding "Fourreau"

All in all, this gown was a simple and fun project at a time when I needed distraction in the depths of the Covid pandemic.  I'm still hoping I may have a chance to enjoy wearing it at a live event!