Civil War Ball Gown
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Civil War Ball Gown |
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HistoryThis style of ball gown was worn during the middle of the Victorian Period, in the period we knew in the United States as the Civil War (approx. 1864 – 1866). It was made to be worn only in the evening as proper ladies would not show this much skin during the daytime! Many ball gowns were made in lighter colors, especially around the face and neck as this would allow the lamplight to add a “glow” to the woman’s face and add to her appeal. The gown pictured was made for our model to wear to a re-enactment ball.Garment DetailsThe bodice and underskirt in the picture were made from a yellow, floral calico print polished cotton material and the petal overskirt is a solid grey polished cotton material however, silk, taffeta and/or brocade could also be used. The bodice ties in the back in the same style as a corset and the front comes to a point. The underskirt and petal overskirt both fasten in the back with a hook and eye closure. The gown is made to be worn over a corset, chemise, large hoop of 150 inches or more (although the hoop worn in this picture was approx 135 inches in circumference), petticoat and split bloomers. This gown uses 15 to 16 yards of material.PricingCotton fabrics - various colors and prints ...................................................$225 - $300 and upSilks, Satins, Taffeta, Brocade or a combination of finer materials................$375 - $500 and up The prices stated above are guidelines for this gown. Each gown is custom made for you. Prices will vary depending on fabric choice and sewing technique. Hand sewing is available for additional charges. Once initial consultation is completed and fabrics have been chosen a final price will set. Please allow at least 3 weeks from receipt of measurements for completion. Special thanks to our model Carol |
Civil War Day Dress |
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HistoryLadies in this time period did not always wear the hoop under their skirts. It was highly impractical for daily chores and working around the house. It would have also been very dangerous, as one of the main causes of death in women during this time period was not the war, it was from them getting too close to the cooking fire in the fireplace and their skirts catching on fire! When not wearing the hoop, they layered petticoats to give the skirt fullness with out being “in the way.”Garment DetailsThe practical cloth used in this time period was cotton. To keep with that theme, once again we used a cotton broadcloth in a solid burgundy. The blouse is made in one of the basic styles favored by older women since, while you could still wear a corset underneath, the older women decided to forgot that “luxury” for comfort. This blouse closes in the front with hooks and eyes, meeting at the center (down the middle of the lace). The sleeves having piping at the shoulders (as was the custom for a more “finished” look) and the collar is separate so the lady could change it for either a utilitarian or fancy look. The skirt is full enough to fit over a small hoop (135” or less) if she wanted to go into town. Because our client was older, we placed snaps on the inside of the wrist instead of buttons, which would have been more traditional.PricingAs pictured......................................$150 and up (depending of choice of lace)Polished cotton or Taffeta..................$200 - $250 and up The prices stated above are guidelines for this garment. Each garment is custom made for you. Prices will vary depending on fabric choice and sewing technique. Hand sewing is available for additional charges. Once initial consultation is completed and fabrics have been chosen a final price will set. Please allow at least 3 weeks from receipt of measurements for completion. Special thanks to our model Jane |
Civil War Day Dress |
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HistoryThis dress is typical of the many day dress styles of the mid-1800’s. Known as the “gathered dress” (circa 1865) it could be worn by both young and middle age just by adding under sleeves and a “modesty scarf” around the neck. It is a very comfortable dress that can be worn without or without a hoop. It gets its name by the smocking-like gathering around the front of the waist area and the additional material at the shoulders. Our young lady appears quite comfortable in this dress as she poses in the park of the Ohio Historical Society’s “Ohio Village.”Garment DetailsOnce again you will find the use of 100% cotton material. In this case it is a very small floral print on a lavender background. Dark purple piping is used to accentuate the shoulder seams and around the waist, which is pointed in the front. The sleeves are an open pagoda style, under sleeves can be used. The dress fastens down the middle of the front with hooks and eyes and has a ribbon trim above the hem that is white with a purple floral design down the center. The scarf is a simple rectangle in white broadcloth on our model but a soft lace was used in pictures #1 and #2. Our model added her own special touch, the cameo brooch at the point of the V-neck was once owned by her grandmother.PricingAs pictured......................................$175 and upSince this is a day dress it is recommended to use cotton materials however, it might work as a ball gown if done in a lightweight silk taffeta. The prices stated above are guidelines for this garment. Each garment is custom made for you. Prices will vary depending on fabric choice and sewing technique. Hand sewing is available for additional charges. Once initial consultation is completed and fabrics have been chosen a final price will set. Please allow at least 3 weeks from receipt of measurements for completion. Special thanks to our model Lindsie |
This Page Last Updated December 2nd 2012
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