Let's Talk 1860s
I'm not going to call this a "civil war" gown, because it's more 1865-1870. It's an 1860s Court or Ball Gown.
I'm stuck with two different styles I need to choose from. The first is the apron-style ball gown that I find really nifty and rather unique. I'd very very likely make it out of my amazing true blue silk taffeta since I have 12 yards of it, and this down would take a lot of fabric. I'd trim the apron and berta with either beaded fringe or lace, dunno which yet.
Second style, which in my opinion is astoundingly gorgeous, sumptuous, extravagant, etc- The Court gown with train. I suppose it's actually more like 1855-1865, but whateva, it's beautiful! Seems like they most often had a tiered, ruffled skirt with removable overskirt that had a train. Lots of lace and bows.
I think I like the style of the Court ones better, but it is very over-the-top, and the first style might be simpler yet still impressive. All I know is that I do not want a basic bodice-with-skirt "civil war" style. I want HUGE.
I'm stuck with two different styles I need to choose from. The first is the apron-style ball gown that I find really nifty and rather unique. I'd very very likely make it out of my amazing true blue silk taffeta since I have 12 yards of it, and this down would take a lot of fabric. I'd trim the apron and berta with either beaded fringe or lace, dunno which yet.
Second style, which in my opinion is astoundingly gorgeous, sumptuous, extravagant, etc- The Court gown with train. I suppose it's actually more like 1855-1865, but whateva, it's beautiful! Seems like they most often had a tiered, ruffled skirt with removable overskirt that had a train. Lots of lace and bows.
I think I like the style of the Court ones better, but it is very over-the-top, and the first style might be simpler yet still impressive. All I know is that I do not want a basic bodice-with-skirt "civil war" style. I want HUGE.