Ivory Print Civil War Dress

I made a hairnet to go with the dress--first time wearing one and I really like it!

So many projects, so little time! I have been dreadfully neglectful of this blog of late and I do apologize. There are lots of yummy projects coming up though. :D Beginning with...

My newest Civil War cotton! A reproduction print from 1810 that I bought off fabric.com last year (it was on sale and I couldn't resist!). I was able to finish it in time to wear to the Carroll Co., MD event at the beginning of this month.

That's our cat behind me. ;)

Inspiration was from this Peachtree Merchantile pattern and Simplicity 4551; however, I drafted the pattern for this dress. I took advantage of the diamond print by cutting the bodice fronts on the bias so that the tucks (sewn down at the shoulders) would be vertical. (Does that make sense?) The neckline is a low V and fastens with hooks & eyes and a cameo brooch. A fichu is worn underneath for modesty.

The sleeves are from the Peachtree pattern; not only are they very full bishop sleeves but they were cut on the bias so I could get the same tucks at the top that I put into the bodice; and thus they are absolutely enormous! Gauged into cuffs; cuffs fasten with shell buttons.

The skirt has three tucks and a facing that peeps below the hem and acts as hem braid. The skirt itself is pleated to a separate waistband which is sewn onto the piped waistband of the dress. In turn the dress waistband fastens with two sets of large hooks & eyes, in a dog-leg-type closure. There is also a pocket in there somewhere. ;)

Dog-leg closure with two sets of hooks & eyes.

I love this dress! I think it's my favorite out of all the Civil War dresses I've made. I know I keep saying that but it's true! ;) I feel so...elegant wearing this dress. I think a lot of that has to do with the gargantuan bishop sleeves. I bought an elephant's ton of this fabric so I could receive free shipping and thought I might as well put it to good use. ;)