1860's Style Ballgown

Penhalion · Post by **Penhalion** » May 15, 2006 12:55 pm

I thought folks here might enjoy seeing my latest project. I am attending a Civil War event in Naperville, Illinois next weekend and made this little number to participate in the ball on Saturday night.

Full length:

Just the bodice along with the hairpiece I made:

Some of the bodice details:

Now I need to get to work on the new daydress because everyone has seen my old one, dahlings!

Justme · Post by **Justme** » May 15, 2006 4:12 pm

WOW!

That is beautiful, and a lot of work!

Tami

Pandora · Post by **Pandora** » May 15, 2006 7:01 pm

That is incredible. Absolutely stunning. You have certainly found the perfect atmosphere to enjoy your talent as a seamstress.

LucyGoose · Post by **LucyGoose** » May 15, 2006 8:03 pm

Beautiful!! Your so talented!!

Patrushka · Post by **Patrushka** » May 15, 2006 9:22 pm

It's beautiful! Great job!

renaldo75 · Post by **renaldo75** » May 15, 2006 9:47 pm

You'll be the belle of the ball!!

wishiwere · Post by **wishiwere** » May 15, 2006 10:00 pm

Gorgeous! And can we expect pictures of your entrace to the ball?

What fun!

patsue53 · Post by **patsue53** » May 15, 2006 11:07 pm

Oh how beautiful! What a great job you've done. I hope you wear out your dancing slippers!

newtohosta-no more · Post by **newtohosta-no more** » May 16, 2006 5:31 pm

Absolutely gorgeous! I hope you will have a wonderful time and dance the night away. I'm sure your dance card will be filled with admirers.

Mary Ann · Post by **Mary Ann** » May 17, 2006 3:45 pm

I love seeing your creations, Karen. The details to period are remarkable. Wonder how those women were able to function in clothes like that? They always look so pristine in the movies.

wishiwere · Post by **wishiwere** » May 17, 2006 4:49 pm

Sorry, didn't mean it.

Penhalion · Post by **Penhalion** » May 17, 2006 6:01 pm

Please don't mistake movies for real life!!

And while slave owners (the female ones anyway!) did certainly dress like this, so did just about everyone in Western Europe and the Americas during that period. Ballgowns were hardly everyday wear (for most) and they certainly weren't designed to be practical anymore than the red carpet fashions of today are designed to be practical. They are evening wear and their purpose is to be beautiful. I will be posting a much more practical daydress in a fine wool as soon as I get the bodice done- hopefully tonight.

Thank-you to everyone for your kind comments! It's nice to have my work appreciated.

Mary Ann · Post by **Mary Ann** » May 17, 2006 8:28 pm

You are our resident expert in period costume. My favorite reference would be Gone With the Wind, where Scarlett and her sisters grubbed field carrots at Tara in long, hot dresses. And Hattie MacDaniel and Prissy's dresses were flowing and cumbersome. Romantic or realistic according to MGM research? We've come a long way, girls.

I wore a hooped gown once, it was pretty tricky.

Squash Blossom · Post by **Squash Blossom** » Jun 28, 2006 11:03 pm

Dahling, this is another beautiful dress!! I love the one with the shawl but this one has so much drama. Your colors and fabrics are perfect.

I feel like pulling out my sewing machine tonight!!

I live in North Louisiana and there are a couple of Civil War re-enactments in this area every year. YOU would be the belle of the ball in these two dresses! You are very talented!

Ann