CW: this post will discuss surgery, menstrual pain, and dysphoria
On February 6th, I had a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy. Through three incisions in my belly, my surgeon cut away my uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes, removing them and leaving my ovaries. Surgery was the culmination of nearly a year of heath care decisions and attempts to manage my increasingly painful, long, and frequent periods, after deciding two decades of irregular periods was more than enough.

In the lead-up to surgery, I prepared myself as best I could, which included making sure I had plenty of comfy, warm clothes for weeks of limited mobility and abdominal pain. My doctor suggested a full six week recovery period, and it took that long for me to feel ready (mentally and physically) to work, though I was out and about and fulfilling some of my duties within my department after about two weeks. While I made sure to have at least one big, loose flannel nightgown on hand, I also wanted to make myself something that would allow me to be a little dramatic.

I had in mind all the drama of a period film heroine, recovering from a chill or broken heart. Think Marianne Dashwood wrapped up in shawls, tended to by Colonel Brandon, or Jane Bennett caught in a rain shower on her way to Netherfield. Except, you know, way gayer.

I very roughly used this tutorial based on a 17th-century shift. I made it up using white cotton voile from Fabric Wholesale Direct, which was lovely and fine, though not quite as soft at first as ideal. It makes a decent budget alternative to more-expensive batiste or handkerchief cotton or linen, though! For maximum drama, I made the front and back sections the full 60″ width and the sleeves half of the width. After hemming around the neckline, I gathered the full opening with two gathering stitches, adjusting until it draped ever-so-artfully over my shoulders.

For a finishing touch, I embellished over the gathers at the neck and wrists with some woven cotton ribbon from Ingebretson’s, an adorable Nordic craft and food shop a few blocks from me. They don’t have the one I used online, but has some equally lovely options!

Four months out, I’m still on the mend. I have some remaining numbness and pain in my lower abdomen, and still have PMS and ovulation symptoms, though nothing like what I did have. But it was absolutely the best choice for me, and recovery was made nicer with a lovely gown to swan about in.
So glad you’re recovering well! This gown is gorgeous and you really do look like period piece heroine! Love it!!
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As a person who had hellish periods as well, I understand your willingness to undergo this surgery. Lovely gown.
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Gay Austen heroine is a LOOK 😍😍
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I love this garment so much, the drama, the comfort, the lushness! I’m really glad you could make the decisions that were best for your body, and that you’re on the mend. ❤
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Congratulations on getting the health care you needed! I’m sure that was an uphill battle! I think this shift automatically transforms every room into a boudoir (and potentially every bed into a chaise).
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‘historical’ shifts, chemises and drawers are huge fun to make and wear. I particularly love my Wearing History chemise/combinations, and the ones from Truly Victorian. All included in this summary post for CoBloWriMo 2017 https://thedementedfairy.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/coblowrimo-16-small-project/ along with some other mad bits and bobs. The pics with your floral crown are lovely, very Caravaggio!
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