1840s Floral Red Dress

This was a forty eight hour project made from five yards of floral home decor material and lace I tea stained to match. I used this painting as the major reference point for this design.

It has a pleated neckline, fitted bodice, and fitted sleeves. It closes at the back with snaps, but has a line of pink buttons up the back which serve as a more visually appealing fake closure. The skirt is a cartridge pleated rectangle.

As much as I love this dress, the fit isn’t quite right and the skirt isn’t full enough for my tastes. It needs alterations before being wearable.

I have two posts about the process of making it.

…