An intro and a question

[Addie Jaye]

Hello, my name is Addie, and I am seventeen years old.  I have been lurking on this board for many months, and I have been dreaming of civil war reenacting for years.  I am very excited to be able to attend my first event in period dress next month, and I am busily sewing away. 

I have used the free chemise pattern, and I have made my own duct tape corset (I'm so thankful to have the book Practical Prinkery!).  So, along with my drawers and hoop  skirt, I just have one more petticoat to make, and I will be done with the under things.  Hooray!

My question is about my dress.  My plan is to make a cotton dress with a front closing bodice, that is pleated to fit the waist, with bishop sleeves, and a belt.  (I don't even want to try to spell the name of the belt!) With a high neck, and white collar, a small hoop and shorter skirts,  is this an appropriate dress for a middle class girl, who will be eighteen in one month? 

I would appreciate any thoughts about my dress, or other advice about dressing a seventeen year old!
Love, Addie

[Elizabeth]

You're on the right track!  Use one or two full-gathered petticoats over your modest hoop, for a nice belled shape with no hoop rungs showing through. 

On the belt, you may not need one with a cotton dress.  I think the name you're thinking of might be a "Medici" belt?  These are the kind with shaped points (one or two), that fasten snugly around the waist.  With a good cotton print everyday dress, I'd encourage you to look at a plain belt, 1" to 1.5" wide, that fastens snugly and has perhaps a ribbon rosette at the center front.  You'll get a lovely accent for when you want to look your best, and still have a "best dress" look, but won't be combining the (usually silk) formality of a Medici or other highly-structured waist ornament with the more everyday printed cotton dress.

At 18, you could make your skirts either slightly short, or even to adult lengths--it's really up to you.  Either way, you'd be in the range of "normal" for 18.  If you want the greater freedom of movement, by all means make your skirts to fall just at or slightly above your ankle bones.  I'd suggest actually measuring and sewing it to be adult length, then shortening it with a tuck or two at the hem to the length you want right now, so you'll be able to let out tucks and keep wearing the dress when you're 20.

[Addie Jaye]

Thank you so much for your help Mrs. Clark.  I do think that a nice simple belt would be just right, the fabric I have for my dress is green flowered with a cream background, and it looks rather dull and gray so I was thinking that a solid dark green belt would liven it up a bit. 

I will definitely make some tucks in my skirt, I have plenty of fabric, but I am not ready for adult lengths quite yet, perhaps next summer. 

I can't wait to start sewing!

Love, Addie

[Elizabeth]

If there's a tiny spot of other color in the flowers (like yellow or red), don't be afraid to pull that out with a belt, too.  I've one dress that looks incredibly BLAH with a blue belt (it's a blue print), but add a red belt, and WOW it just pops!

[Addie Jaye]

I love it when people take advantage of hidden colors in fabric.  My fabric has no hidden colors, but I love the way it looks with dark green, I am knitting a hunter green sontag to wear during the chilly mornings. 

~Addie

[Elizabeth]

Addie, if you've not yet started the sontag, may I encourage you to use a different color that you're particularly fond of?  Most everything I can find on mid-century color combinations points to contrasting and varied colors, rather than dressing all in one color family.  If, for instance, you pair red or blue or brown or even coral with a green base, you get variety and period color combinations that are very pleasant.  (If you've already started on the sontag, perhaps using two colors to make it would be possible?)

I am a green-fan, myself, along with blues and reds and most browns, and I know I must fight to avoid looking too "matchy matchy" in my wardrobe.

[rebeccaroberts]

Hello,

Welcome to the sewing forum. I am also fairly new, and I have already learned SO much!!!

I am thirteen and doing Civil War Reenactments as well. Where is the one you are going to next month.

-Rebecca Jane Roberts

[Addie Jaye]

I will be at Doris Ranch! 

I have a younger sister who is also thirteen, she is not thrilled about reenacting, but she does make some old fashioned dresses, and attends all my tea parties!  Perhaps someday I will be able to convert her.

Love, Addie

[rebeccaroberts]

Ohhh, I love Civil War Reenactments!!! Of course, I've only been to one, but...I loved it. Hopefully you will be able to convince your younger sister to be more enthusiastic about participating in reenactments, she will become more grateful the older she gets, I'm sure. Have fun!!!

-Rebecca Jane Roberts