] I always wondered who made the dresses that women wore in JA's times. The richer people would probably have had their clothes made for them. Would people like the Bennets or the Dashwoods have made their own dresses or have them made?

] I know I would love to be able to make an Empire style ballgown.

There would have been dressmakers in Meryton, I am sure; however, it is also highly likely that the Bennet girls did make their own dresses, or refurbished them between Balls. If Lydia can trim hats, she can also alter hems, re-arrange necklines, and add or take way flowers. If you read the book The Making of Pride and Prejudice, you'll see that the creators of P&P2 assumed this would be true and you can follow the subtle alterations made to Lizzy and Jane's best dresses as the story progresses (that's obsession for you, no?)

Just how much do you want to make an Empire style gown, Niamh? Are you looking for tips and ideas? Such a project isn't impossible, and many people here have done it successfully. Would you like to know more?