Draped 19-Teens Dress Pattern
I love this lady's dress pattern from the mid-to-late-teens. The detailing is so exquisitely feminine, and the fit is flattering without being uncomfortable. Courtesy of the Gullickson Collection
Girls' Dresses from 1916 Catalog
Illustration of young (tween) girls in everyday dresses from a 1916 catalog. These closely mirror adult women's fashions of the time, though the extra frills and shorter skirts give them a younger flair.
1916 Pictorial Review Dress Pattern
This pattern is from Pictorial Review's 1916 line. You can see more examples of this style in the catalog scans that follow in this section (or you can get my 1916-17 catalog eBook). Interesting how fashion went from pencil-thin to full and blouse-y in just three years!
Five Friends (19-teens)
Here is a cute 19-teens photo of five friends. The belted waists and skirted blouses on three of the gowns lead me to believe this was taken around 1915-16. What fun!
Lace Afternoon Dresses (1915)
Illustration of three girls in fancy lace afternoon dresses from a 1915 catalog. These styles were used a lot for graduation and other special events in a young lady's life.
1915 Woman's Waist Pattern
Woman's waist pattern, circa 1915. Note the long, draped collar and belted waist. Both were popular from about 1914-1918.
1915: My Great-Grandmother, the Seamstress
This is the Winderwheedle family around 1915. My great-grandmother, Phoebe Winderwheedle, is the one in the center--the only one with a light-colored skirt! Phoebe was an incredible seamstress who made all her own clothes. She had red hair and loved to be different. I love this picture.
1915 Dress Pattern
Woman's dress pattern, circa 1915. Unfortunately, the pattern envelope has torn, making it difficult to see some of the wonderful details of this lovely day dress.
1915 Pattern: May Manton Toddler
This is a darling 1915 pattern for a toddler girl's dress, circa 1915. Note the embroidery and feminine detailing. Many patterns of this era included embroidery transfers that could be traced or iron directly onto fabric so the user could easily follow them to create the motifs.
Morgan's "Beatrix Potter" Outfit
I wanted to send you pictures of the completed Beatrix Potter Outfit. It was very easy to make with your online help.
Shannon's Regency Dress
Here are some pictures from the first Regency dress I made! I loved your pattern; it was very easy. I used a cotton fabric with little raised blue dots and a grosgain ribbon for the trim.
Reproduction Silk 1860s Ballgown by Kay Demlow
This is my golden silk 1860s ballgown, made for me by Kay Demlow of Lavender's Green in 2000. I told Kay I was ready for a new gown (two babies had quickly "moved" me out of my old gown!), and I said I was thinking of a pale gold. Kay knew exactly what I wanted and got to work right away. The results were breathtaking!
Reproduction Civil War Day Dress
Here I am in my custom Civil War day dress by Mrs. Martin's Mercantile (unfortunately, Mrs. Martin has now retired). The skirt and bodice are made of 1860s reproduction fabric with a tiny black pattern on brown. Pagoda sleeves are trimmed with black cotton and piping, and the hemline of the skirt is trimmed all 'round with black cotton.
Reproduction 1880s Garments
Marna Jean shared these beautiful images of herself and her daughter in outfits she created. The adorable dress on her daughter is ca. 1880, and the stunning ballgown is also from that period. The walking dress at the far right is from an original 1881 pattern. Marna Jean runs Shooting Star Enterprises and offers custom-made Victorian outfits for ladies, gentlemen and children! Be sure to visit her wonderful site.
Reproduction Kay Demlow Day Gown
Doesn't Becky look fantastic in her daygown? This original outfit was created for Becky by Kay Demlow of Lavender's Green. Kay does spectacular work. You can see a ballgown she made for me in another post. Thanks for sharing this beautiful dress, Becky!
1890s Walking Suit
Here is an original 1890s walking suit which was sold at auction on eBay. Note the tailored fit and the fullness at the back of the skirt to allow for walking. The trimming details are interesting as well.
1870s Bustled Polonaise
Here is a fantastic 1870s bustled polonaise sold on eBay by USVainen, a former seller whose knowledge of vintage fashion was astounding and whose descriptions were delightful. This seller graciously agreed to let me share her images and words on my site, and I think you'll enjoy them as much as I have!
American Civil War Era Day Dress
This is an original Civil War era day dress which was sold at auction on eBay. The bright colors often surprise people who are used to seeing only black and white photographs from this period. Jet buttons march down the back of the bodice
Plaid Taffeta 1860s Day Dress
Here is an original Civil War era day dress which was sold at auction on eBay. Very pretty brown and blue plaid taffeta with buttons down the front of the bodice.
Mid-to-Late Victorian Frederick Worth Gowns
Four drop-dead gorgeous ensembles by world-renowned designer, Frederick Worth. These costumes are owned by the Museum of the City of New York. Breathtaking! From left to right: Ballgown, circa 1865, of nougat satin trimmed with tulle, swansdown, crystal beads and glass pearls;