Tuesday, October 21, 2008

CIVIL WAR COSTUMES

I don't know if you remember back when I posted about joining up with the Victorian Tea Society in my city. But, I've been looking for a costume ever since I joined.


There are so many great looks in the Victorian times.


But I decided to go with the dresses from the Civil War time.



I think they are so pretty and feminine looking.



I also like that you can buy a few pieces and then change them around to make different looks. Like adding a shawl. That would give your outfit a whole new look.


You can change your blouse from the one that matches the skirt to a solid color. Again, giving it a completely different feel.


I also love how they are big and most of the skirts are one size fits all. No need to worry if you should gain or lose weight. Just tighten or loosen up the skirt and you are set to go.

I also love how you can get a dressy look or a causal one. I love the one above all in white with a black trim. I bought the pattern for this dress.

Now, I just have to search for someone who can sew the dress for me as sadly I don't know how to sew. Anyone out there want to lend me a hand :-).


This green dress reminds me of the dress in Gone With The Wind. You know the one where Scarlett used the curtains to make her dress.


I also love the hats from the Civil War time. No real need to worry about bad hair days when you wear them.


They even had their own version of the Little Black Dress. They were not worn only when in mourning.


So I've been searching around thrift stores for items that can be turned into a costume. It's been fun searching even though I'm not having a whole lot of luck yet.

I need things like short lace gloves, flowers for hats, a white dust ruffle that I can turn into bloomers, white vintage hankies. I can't believe with all my vintage hankies I have there is not one white one.

I feel like I'm on a scavenger hunt. It's fun. Who doesn't like the thrill of the hunt. The excitement when you find an item you can use. That special little piece that will add the final touches to the costume.

I'm going to do my best to put together a wonderful costume on my little tiny budget. It may be hard since I don't sew but it won't be impossible. Will it?

If you have any tips or ideas I would love for you to share them with me. I'm open to try anything to get this to work.

I'll be sure to post when I find some treasures. I want to take you all along on my journey back in time. I hope you will enjoy it.

Hugs,

Joanne

9 comments:

Sometimes It's Good said...

Hi, Are you checking out places on line? I belong to the Red Hat Society and you can get red short lace gloves where they sell red hat clothes. So someone must have white lace gloves. The red gloves were only a few dollars. The Tea Society sounds like a lot of fun!

Lindsay-ann said...

Hi Joanne
Thanks for showing those beautiful dresses. The black and white one is stunning. Sorry I can't help you with the sewing but good luck with finding someone who can. I can't wait to see your finished outfit. You will look amazing.
Lindsay

Glenda said...

Well do what Scarlet did and look in the curtain section and make a dress. My mother had lace gloves I may have them but not for sure on that.

Good luck Scarlet.

Lisa's RetroStyle said...

Love all those dresses! The one your chose will be gorgeous!! The fabric for them can be pretty expensive. I got a historical dress pattern and fabric to make a Halloween costume...I haven't sewn it yet...but it requires so much fabric it can add up.
Are you going to sew it yourself? Some larger fabric stores offer great assistance. At our local JoAnn's Fabrics...they actually have machines in the store and you can take in parts you're having trouble with and they will help you?!
It would be fun to see your progress on your posts!!

Kim's Treasures said...

So beautiful! How fun!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Those are all beautful dresses Joanne! Have you contacted any local Civil War re-enactor groups? Maybe they can tell you where to purchase a dress already made? I know they are expensive because of all the fabric and work involved but what a thrill to dress up like that!

Good luck

Hugs, Pat

Cottage Rose said...

Hi Joanne; I love all those dresses, they are so beautiful. I have always wanted one too, don't know where I would wear it..lol I love the pattern you picked out. I so can't wait to see what you are going to find. Good Luck on your hunt.

Hugs;
Alaura

Anonymous said...

Well, I don't have any tips, but I can't wait to see what you come up with! And any time I hear "Gone with the wind," I always think of the Carol Burnett skit where she had the whole curtain rod in the curtains while she was wearing them! Harvey Korman was cracking up!! ...Donna

Pearl said...

Hi Joanne... Ohhh those are such lovely dresses! The one you picked out is beautiful... Sounds like you have a few ideas for where to begin searching for help... sadly, I do not sew, either. You might want to check with the Home Ec dept. at some local high schools; perhaps the teachers there might have some contacts for you to get help with the sewing... Can't wait to see the end results! God bless...

~hugs 'n prayers~

Pearl