Printed Gown with Black Velvet Trim

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The trim on this dress is copied from an original gown I saw. It has cap sleeves with black velvet trim that match the coat sleeve trim. The opening of the sleeve has been widened a bit so that it can be worn with white cotton undersleeves that have been basted onto the inside of the coat sleeves. (I like this a little better than elastic sleeves, because I can be sure they will stay up, but it really is a personal preference. Both are appropriate for the mid 19th century.) It also has the white collar attached to the neckline, which is removable so it can be washed frequently, starched and ironed.

I admit, the waist length is a bit too long. The waist length on dresses from the mid 1860s tended to end either at the natural waistline or right above it.

The bodice opens in the center front (mostly all day dresses opened in the front, except for children's clothing and young teens) with hooks and eyes and square black glass buttons have been added on top for decoration. I've noticed on originals that many times the main closures were hooks and eyes rather than buttons. The buttons were merely for decoration. I thought that was a clever idea. It saves hand sewing several buttonholes and it would also be easier to reuse the fabric.