This blog post is really overdue. Usually I’m a few weeks, or even months late when it comes to blogging about projects but in this case i’m years late. This project was originally comp…

A brown taffeta day dress, circa 1870. the jacket style bodice trimmed with velvet ribbon and fringes, wide pagoda slee

From the seller: A magnificent 1860’s floral silk ball gown that has recently been de-accessioned from a major New York City museum collection. The fabric has a small pink and blue floral pattern on a champagne background. The bodice has a fan pleating on the front and back. The pleating is outlined with aqua silk. The neckline is trimmed with beige chiffon and has a black velvet ribbon drawstring. The puffed sleeves are trimmed with aqua blue silk and tulle netting. The neck, armscyes and…

Yup, that’s right; I used fabric from JoAnns! There was an upcoming Civil War Reenactment in my area. I needed a work dress. I was …

Couture Courtesan Work Dress

Today's post was contributed by my friend and fabulous costumer Sue Woods. I am always flabbergasted by her beautiful handmade historical costumes as well as drool worthy collection of vintage clothing. I knew she would be the perfect person to give us all some tips on how to get started with Victorian costuming, especially the

From the seller: This auction is for an original lady's Day Dress from the Civil War period. It is made of rich green silk taffeta trimmed with green silk braid and black torchon lace. Features include dropped shoulders with piped armholes, coat-shaped sleeves and double-pointed waist. The bodice is lined with off-white cotton and the sleeves with cotton gauze. It has tiny steel buttons, which are decorative only and a collar with matching cuffs of hand-made lace. Recently purchased from…

Lilac tartan moiré taffeta gown with day and evening bodices, ca. 1860. Day bodice button-fronted with black braid bands to shoulders and cuffs, cut low and pointed to the front and high at the back; curved sleeves. Evening bodice with pronounced point to waist, puff sleeves, silk lace to the neck. Full, pleated skirt. Kerry Taylor Auctions/Artfact

I've been recently asked a few questions concerning how a lady dresses in my Civil War Reenacting hobby, and I thought now might be a good time to cover that. This particular question will depend on the impression you portray, but for the most part, everything is still the same, just the colors and material change. Let’s start with the basics. These will be according to closeness to skin, so we’ll begin with your ‘unmentionables’, and work our way out! Layer 1 * Drawers made of cotton or…