The Dilkusha gown becomes a reality
I have stared at this photo for nearly 2 years. Envisioning a crocheted version. Who was the desginer? What materials were used? For whom was it designed?
Information is severely lacking about this photo and gown other than year of 1935.
“Good things come to those who wait.” And wait I did! 2 years ago, I did not possess the experience, knowledge, or skill-set to undertake such a project. As if the Universe was listening, a cosmic alignment happened! Information about this dress finally came forth! The designer, Princess Dilkusha de Rohan! Who was she? She was an interesting yet mysterious lady& designer of the 1930s-1950s. The material was a crepe for the sleeves & skirting, a lace bodice, and a satin under gown.
The photo was published in Vogue Paris, June or July 1935 (this info is still vague)
With this little bit of information, time to create a crocheted version!
While participating in Crochet Fashion Week New York, I located a second photo of this dress. I took it as a sign that NOW was the time to create this gown. On the final night of my NY trip, a YouTube notice about a new crochet stitch pattern video pinged me phone. I was shocked! It appeared to the perfect geometric pattern I was searching for. That sealed the deal! This dress was next on my hook!
Satin for undergown from Joann fabrics, yarn for crocheting from Estambres.com With supplies in hand, I started hooking. First I tackled those sleeves. Each row checked against the pattern piece.
Stitch pattern detail
3 1/2 months later… IT LIVES!! The Dilkusha gown is REAL!
I am ecstatic over the results! This is the greatest accomplishment of my crochet career.
How can I top this?!
This would be a beautiful wedding dress for a vintage inspired wedding.
As this dress was never crocheted or knitted, there were no patterns to be had. How then do I construct this gown? Break down the components and attempt to locate vintage sewing patterns that will be used as the foundations for each part.
Crocheting to a paper sewing pattern is a technique almost 200 years old.
Finding the lace for the bodice was a struggle. MOOD fabrics to the rescue!
First I found a blouse pattern that had those fabulous HUGE sleeves! I would use this pattern for both the sleeves and foundation for lace bodice section. Additionally, I acquired a proper vintage evening gown pattern for the under-gown & foundation for the skirting portion. Thank you Lady Marlowe
These sleeves are HUGE!
The skirting was also done, row by row, checked against the paper pattern I drafted from the vintage pattern.
