Inspiration:

My Regency dress was a rather disheartening experience. The fit of the neckline and bodice was not very good and I wanted to try my hand at another one. I determined that before I would make another dress, I would complete a bodiced petticoat to help with the fitting issues.

A bodiced petticoat is pretty much an excuse not to make a regency corset. If you want the pushed up bust look of the era without all the work and cash required, you can try a bodiced petticoat for the right look.

I love the scene in Pride and Prejudice where Lydia is running around in her bodiced petticoat getting ready for the Netherfield ball and meets Mr. Collins in the hallway. Shocking! :)

Julia Sawalha in Pride and Prejudice.

Materials:

La Mode Bagatelle Regency Pattern, bleached muslin, leftover cotton twill, white ribbon, bias tape, hooks and bars.

I always have yards of bleached muslin around for sewing projects. The instructions said to line the bodice with something heavier and since I had some twill left over from my Caraco jacket I decided to use that. It might have been a little heavier than required but it works quite well.

Construction:

This bodiced petticoat went together very well. Although it's expensive, I highly recommend the La Mode Bagatelle pattern - it's the only one you'll ever need!

I used bias tape in the neckline casing instead of cutting bias strips. They have you use bias strips for a good reason, and I will follow the instructions better next time, instead of saying "Oh! I can just use bias tape!" and ignoring the directions. A proficient seamstress often makes mistakes because she is proficient - and proud of it. :) But my outfit is not hurt badly by my conceit - next time may be different..

I lined the waistband with fabric instead of using the ribbon they suggest and it works great . I also made an eyelet on the front of the waistband so that I could put a drawstring under the bust, too.

The Finished Petticoat:

I am so happy that this petticoat came out so well! It's great to have a finished project with no little bugs in it. Overall the fit is absolutely fab and gives the perfect push-up that we past dressers so desire (and the whole petticoat looks so pretty that I wish I could wear it in public :) !