Yet another question on wool

[Christina]

Ok, I am finally going to attempt an immersion event, but I need to make a new dress, because most of what I have is too 'rich' for the refugee portrayals that they need there.  I am looking at buying some nice wool for a just plain everyday work type dress, and would like some suggestions...please?      I found this fabric: http://www.denverfabrics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=36337&Category_Code=wo-sui&Product_Count=17
It sounds really comfy, and light weight, and I think the color would work?  Also wondering about patterns, I have all of the Simplicity patterns, as well as quite a collection of others from past patterns to homespun, but I am not sure what type of bodice or sleeves would be exactly correct.  The time period they are looking at is Appomattox, but not that specifically because they don't have enough numbers, but very shortly thereafter, and same area. 

What I was thinking so far is this: darted bodice, I would like bishop sleeves, but I would be ok with coat sleeves if that would be more appropriate, with little to no trim, though I suppose if it was one of my two dresses that I was able to salvage, it might be my best dress...right?  anywayz, nothing too fancy for sure.  Any other suggestions??   Thanx very much in advance. 

Christina Holbrook

P.S.  Oh yeah, I was also wondering if wool would be a good choice for a period nightgown?

[lindym]

This is not advice on dress style/construction, just another source of wool:

http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/Catalog_items.aspx?Query=tropical+wool+brown

 Set#AA515 "Brown/Black Tropical Wool"  sounds a lot like what Bevin used in a dress.

They are also running a special:

"Simply mention "15% Off" in the comments section of the online order form and we will deduct 15% off of your fabric order" (this came from their email ad)

If you do a search on "tropical wool", they have quite a few, just watch out for the lycra 

Linda

[Jill Kransel]

I've been eyeballing the Set#X818 to the left of this one for the past two weeks....15% off is more of an incentive to order...Linda, did they mention how long they were offering this special?

[BarbaraSmith]

Linda, BUY THE WOOL! Don't talk about it, buy it!!!!! Doofus... If you don't, I will!!!!!!!  Then we'll match and you'll be sad! 

LOL,
B.

[Elizabeth]

Wool flannel makes for a VERY warm nightgown.  Most I've seen have been cotton, in a nice, body-ful, strong weave.

Your style features for an everyday wool dress sound like a good plan to me.  One thing to anticipate: you're going to look brand spanky new for awhile.   A good friend of mine has a lovely tropical-weight wool plaid dress, absolutely gorgeous, and she uses it for Western Migration events (Oregon Trail), and the darn thing is holding up looking brand new.

I like that brown.  If you did want to gussy it up ever, cherry red buttons would be delicious. 

[lindym]

I've been eyeballing the Set#X818 to the left of this one for the past two weeks....15% off is more of an incentive to order...Linda, did they mention how long they were offering this special?

It looks like the sale is through the 26th of July.

Linda

[Christina]

Thanx, very much everyone! 
For the nightgown though, would that be cotton flannel?  Or some other type of cotton? 

[Elizabeth]

Cotton flannel nighties get very bunchy... I'd look for a nice cotton sheeting, actually (or very good quality quilt-backing "muslin"), as the higher thread counts make the gown easier to move in.  If you're making it for cold weather, and get chilly across your shoulders, you could always do a partial back lining, with cotton flannel between the outer plain cotton and an inner plain cotton section, for greater warmth right there without too much bunchiness anywhere else.