Issue 10 - Civil War / Victorian Collaboration - The Summer Stripe 1860s Dress by A Stitch in Time's Line

The Summer Stripe 1860s Dress 

By A Stitch in Time's Line

The second of the two outfits I have created for the Bbeauty Civil War / Victorian collaboration is a light summery frock in a blue micro-striped cotton.  Once more I drew inspiration from an antique Victorian era doll dress.

I first stumbled upon my inspiration dress in this book, "Perfectly Fitting" which includes photos and descriptions of antique doll clothing from the early Victorian era through the 1920s.  

It caught my eye when I first saw it, and I bookmarked it as one I might like to reproduce someday.

Later, when I was browsing inspiration for this project, I came across another image on Pintrest of the same dress, this time photographed on a dress form.  It seemed like the perfect opportunity to go ahead and make my own version!

I had so much fun recreating the various details that lend this design visual interest - the bias-cut trim at the neckline and on the skirt front, and the tiers of ruffles on the sides and back.  My fabric is a beautifully lightweight shirting cotton, which allowed me to trim the dress lavishly without creating too much bulk in the finished dress.

The shorter length of this dress suggests that it was intended to reflect children's fashions of the 1860s.  It also gives the perfect opportunity to showcase a pair of Bbeauty's Victorian Button Boots in White, as the boots are not hidden underneath the dress as they are for older-teenager and adult fashions of the era.

At my request, Satenik Donaca (Sata & Haykush Designs) designed a lovely cross necklace, along with matching earring drops and bracelet for this ensemble. Thank you so much, Sata! The necklace in particular was inspired by the many cross necklaces in antique French fashion doll collections, a reflection perhaps of France's Catholic heritage.

This ensemble which includes the dress, boots, jewelry, and a pair of white pantalettes will be available in my Etsy shop on Saturday, April 18th at 7PM Eastern Standard Time.

A Reminder About the Giveaways!

As usual with these collaborations, there is a special photo contest to celebrate Civil War and Victorian inspired doll fashion. 

Simply post a photo on Instagram with one of your dolls dressed in Victorian fashions and use the hashtags #civilwarvictoriandolls and #bbeautydollsphotocontest.  The outfit can be handmade or storebought, old or new.  We'd love to hear why you chose the outfit and what is special about it to you, or the story behind the picture!

Prizes will be awarded for categories including Best Handmade Outfit, Most Creative Photo, and Best Story.  Among the prizes are a complete set of Bbeauty's Victorian Button Boots, and a stunning array of handmade jewelry from Sata & Haykush Designs.

A separate giveaway in honor of Sata & Haykush Designs Gone with the Wind collection is also underway.  The prize is a 21" Scarlett doll in a unique velvet curtain dress design.

To enter this giveaway, follow @satahaykushdesigns on Instagram, repost one of her Gone with the Wind inspired outfits and share why it's your favorite.  Be sure to tag @satahaykushdesigns and include #civilwarvictorian dolls.

Winners for both giveaways will be selected on Wednesday, April 29th and featured in the final issue of the series on Thursday, April 30th.

How to find me:

Etsy: www.astitchintimesline.etsy.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/astitchintimesline

Instagram: www.instagram.com/astitchintimesline