Tuesday, March 15, 2011

New direction

For a long time I have been in love with this dress. I even found similar fabric and trim lace. However, I've changed my mind now. I don't know why, maybe it's been on the drawing board too long and I'm just not that excited about it now. There are also several of them out there, made very well and I just don't think I'm skilled enough to draw the pattern for an asymmetrical bodice with all those pleats!

So, same fabric, new inspiration without the lace trim. I'll use that on a bonnet or something.
Godey's July 1861. I love the idea of a square neck. There is a picture at the Alamo from the 1860s showing a similar dress but no undersleeves and no chemisette. In Texas, that is believable, so this is my first (can you believe it) summer dress.

Right now I'm making stockings but will be done soon and then on to the dress.

7 comments:

Savories of life said...
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Savories of life said...

Love your blog an anything about civil war. Check me out.

Promotional Pens said...

The dress is beautiful... hope you consider bringing it to life.

Rebecca said...

Can you tell me a little more about the dress? Is it sheer? does it say how it is fastened?

Annette Bethke said...

The actual plate doesn't say how it's fastened. I'm making it up as a sheer. The plate does not show how it is fastened, so I split one of the darts and used that as my opening with hooks and eyes. I've seen another very similar that had buttons down the front.

Reenachronismind said...

Haha I know what you mean! I'm reproducing the wrap for a summer event I'm going to in July, and I'm looking everywhere to find out how they did those confounded tucks. XP
It's not that I can't find a way to do them, I'd just like to know how THEY did 'em. XP

Annette Bethke said...

Caitlin didn't make her's, she purchased it but I can't remember who from. I'll see if I can get in touch with her and let you know.