Because no 1860s ballgown is complete without a tucker! Buying your own cotton netting just for a little frill around the neckline of a gown can be annoying--for starters, cotton net usually sells for about $35/yard, and no way do you need that much just for one neckline. It's hard to find fine fabrics of that sort at chain-type fabric stores, and many online retailers only sell in full yard increments. And again--you don't usually need a whole yard for a tucker! What's a girl to do?
With that in mind, I'm trying something out. I'm offering simple tucker kits in my shop, which include half a yard of cotton net and 2 yards of 2mm silk ribbon for a drawstring (which is optional, but very cute!). You can have any color you want, as long as it's black. ;)
My listing (above) includes several pictures of reproductions using this same cotton net for a tucker, and here are some originals with pretty tucker variations to get your creative juices flowing.
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| Kent State (Thanks Andrew Schroeder, for the tip!) |
Tuckers seem to be pretty ubiquitous, and would have served the same function as a collar or cuffs--they help protect the neckline of your dress, and give a finished look. It'd be easy to baste one into an existing gown, or pick up a kit for your next project. The sky's the limit! Head on over to
Etsy and take a look.
The second one is Kent State.
ReplyDeleteI updated the info...thanks!
DeleteSuch a great idea! Thank you so much! What would you recommend for a bonnet frill?
ReplyDeleteI think the last bonnet I made, I used a soft embroidered-net lace from Hobby Lobby, but if you wanted yardage of cotton net for same I could cut you a length--I've got quite a bit!
DeleteI think I want! I've got a couple or three bonnets that could use some. :D
DeleteHow much you thinkin'? It's a bit springy and wiggly to measure, but I think it's about 36" wide.
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