~ Civil War Afternoon/Tea Dress ~ SASS ~

This is a reproduction of a Civil War/Victorian 1860's era day dress. This dress is newly sewn by me and is constructed from authentic period patterns (based on actual garments from the period). This two piece dress would be perfectly for church on Sunday, an afternoon tea, or a stroll around the shops.

The fabric is a beautiful fabric of a green background with a white paisley and dot design. The bodice is trimmed with black fringe and accented with black buttons. Both the skirt and the sleeves have a fabric inset of solid black that really makes this ensemble an eye-catcher. The dress is shown on a dress form with a bust measurement of 48 inches and a waist measurement of 42 inches. The dress is displayed over a 6-bone hoopskirt, which is not included. The skirt measures 44 inches at the center front from waist to the hem. This skirt is unhemmed, and is slightly longer in the back to give a more graceful appearance. This is a period correct method for hemming a dress of this type as it allows the skirt to fall gracefully over the hips and not ride up in the back. The skirt has a generous 176 inch sweep. The skirt fastens in the center back with a hook and bar closure.

The bodice closes with individually hand-sewn period correct hook and eye closures and is fully lined in 100% cotton muslin, which wears very well and helps to keep the lines smooth over many washes and wearings.

*** Only 100% cotton has been used to give breathability to the fabric in hot weather. All fabric was pre-washed before this outfit was made so that no shrinkage should occur.

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