~ Elegant Civil War / Victorian Dress - 4 Pieces ~

You are bidding on a reproduction of a Civil War/Victorian 1860's era two-piece dress. This outfit is simply stunning! This outfit is newly sewn by me and is constructed from period patterns. This two piece dress would be perfectly for church on Sunday, an afternoon tea, or a stroll around the shops.

The main fabric is a beautiful 100% cotton paisley. Paisley was a highly desireable fabric in this era, and this dress would have been the highlight of any woman's daytime wardrobe. The trim is a gorgeous taffeta in burgundy with black highlights (color appears to shift as the lighting changes).

Also included are the undersleeves that are shown. The collar and cuffs are made from 100% cotton, and are edged in delicate period-appropriate lace. The undersleeves have drawstrings at the top AND hand-sewn buttonholes. The buttons on the cuffs are period appropriate vintage buttons of mother of pearl with a metal shaft.

The top of the dress features taffeta fabric-covered buttons, taffeta button loops, and hand-sewn hook and eye closures (behind the front placket where they can't be seen, but you are ensured that your dress won't come open). The outfit is shown on a dress form with a bust measurement of 45 inches and a waist measurement of 34 inches. The waist is quite snug, but the bust measurement could be larger and this would still fit. It is displayed over a 6-bone hoopskirt, which is not included in the auction. The bodice is fully lined. The body of the bodice is lined with 100% cotton, and the sleeves are lined with the same taffeta as the trim.

The skirt is also 100% cotton, and is a trimmed with the same beautiful taffeta. The skirt measures 42 inches at the center front from waist to the hem. The skirt fastens in the back with a hook and bar closure. The skirt has a generous 176 inch sweep. The skirt is slightly longer in the back. This is a period correct method for hemming as it allows the skirt to fall gracefully over the hips and not ride up in the back.

*** Except for the trim, 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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