Italian Matron from the 14th Century

The first gown designed for the mother of the bride didn't go over very well. The horns were vetoed right off. Finally this design was settled on, something evocative of the matron's ethnic heritage, but also comfortable and feminine.

Inspiration

I stole this design wholesale from a J.W. Waterhouse painting. It was just too lovely to pass up.

Design Sketch

Pattern Highlights

This gown was the first garment made, so it's construction ended up being the most complex (except for the Bride's). It was made up of two full gowns which were attached at the neckline and sleeve holes. The yellow, seen in the poofed sleeves, is actually a full cotton undergown. (Which we can't see in the pictures because she never lifted her skirts up, darn it all.) The main shortcut taken in the construction was the attachment of the yellow poof to the velvet cuffs and upper sleeves, making them one sleeve instead of an inner and an outer sleeve. The main feature of the gown was the well-fitted upper torso and hidden empire waistline, giving the gown a slimming effect.

Finished Garment - Front
Italian Matron

Finished Garment - Back
Italian Matron