womens clothing vendors

[rebelrose]

Re: womens clothing vendors

"Bodice & Skirts II: this would be a basque-style of bodice, which does not tuck at all, but which is fairly fitted to the body, and has lower skirts that flare out over the hip of the dress skirts. While the two pieces are worn as a set, they are not normally attached to one another."

Keep in mind I have never seen up close a dress from this time period in a VERY, very long time (I'm trying to visualize your description). If the bodice is fitted to the body and is not attached or tucked in, is it so snug that it goes under the skirt (so as not to show the midriff area) but does not blossom out after a while?

Thank you to everyone who has responded. This has all been very helpful. Sidebar: a website called the Cotton Loft is selling some cloth under the title "Civil War collection" but the prints don't look like what I've read is appropriate (again, the info I've read could be wrong). Is anyone familiar with this site? http://www.quiltingcottontest.com/

--Lisa Jillani

[ElizabethClark]

Re: womens clothing vendors

No, a basque bodice goes over the skirts--it's a style common in the 50s, and seen in different forms in the 60s (riding habits and travelling dresses, for instance). No tucking at all! The bodice basque is worn over the skirts, and creates an entire ensemble. If you have the Stella Blum Godey's print book, you'll see quite a few in this style for the 50s, for a firm visual.

I've not come across any "tuck in" styles from the mid-century, barring mens' shirts and women's chemises.

[KarinTimour]

Re: womens clothing vendors

Robin Stokes is another great vendor of women's clothing. I've got three dresses that she's made for me, and I love them all. She's won first place at the the North South Skirmish Association dress competition for the past four or five years, and last year won their Delaney Award for her hand-sewn workdress.

Some of you may remember that two years ago she and Beth Miller Hall gave joint sewing lessons in Gettysburg as a partnership entitled "Hall and Stokes" -- she also has worked with Juanita Leisch in putting together the recent Artifacts Forum in Charleston.

We spoke this morning and she mentioned that she's now sewing full-time from her home in Western New Jersey. If you're interested in getting more detaiils, drop her an email at stokes_w@msn.com

Sincerely,
Karin Timour
"The Stories in the Socks" - Women in the Civil War Conference, Richmond, VA, June 2004
Period Knitting -- Socks, Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[VMurphy]

Re: womens clothing vendors

In adding my 2cents...although there are many of "us" (authentically minded experienced period seamstresses)
I would highly suggest that your wife find someone as close to her as possible if she hires a dress made.
It is far more likely that the fit will be proper if she can be present for a couple of fittings.

A good fit can be attained, through the mail, but it's far easier to make a garment with a good and proper fit, if it can be personally fitted. :wink_smil

On topic of dress re: Wrappers.
Wrappers are a wonderful addition to a reenactors wardrobe, as I'm sure they were to any lady of the 19thc. who acquired one.
In the documention included with Sandra Altman's Wrapper Pattern is a statement:
"There are fashionable wrappers and dressing gowns and common or serviceable wrappers and dressing gowns. Both fasionable and serviceable they are an undress
garment worn only in private rather than public settings."

The doctumentation goes on to quote several passages from diaries and journals...in reference to making wrappers.
One of which is "On Wednesday, I finished a wrapper and began a calico dress for myself"

I have to encourage any lady whether sewing for herself or hiring it done...to purchase a Past Pattern of her garment.
The research and documentation that comes with each Pattern is a testiment to Ms.Altman's work and the authenticity of the pattern.

Regards
Vivian Murphy