Issue 12 - Civil War / Victorian Collaboration - Sarah's Countryside Bustle Dress

BbeautyDesigns
Apr 21
2 min read

Countryside Bustle Dress

By Sarah's Sewing Room

My first ensemble is the embodiment of a springtime walk through a countryside garden in the 1880’s. Sewn from the Violet: 1880s Day Dress pattern by Pemberley Threads, this outfit combines the classic bustle skirt silhouette supported by a petticoat and bustle pad with a form-fitting, long-sleeved bodice, all accented by delicate vintage lace and coordinating accessories.

The fabric I chose is soft yet crisp, with a satin-like diamond texture, in a pale green evocative of the transition from snow to spring foliage. The vintage lace that trims the bodice and skirt is reminiscent of those first delicate spring blooms and is appropriate for the era of this gown’s style.

The bodice closes in the back with four snaps, and the peplum flutters over top of the back bustle.

Hidden beneath the pleated and gathered skirt is a three-layer bustle pad in pink and white striped cotton, and a soft white petticoat with yet another vintage lace at the hem gives additional structure to the skirt.

And then, the accessories! Sata of Sata & Haykush Designs was so kind to offer a set of jewels in pearl, gold, and bright green. The earring drops are a bold statement, perfectly matched by two neck adornment options. The first is a pearl necklace with a gold and green pendant. I love that Sata chose a magnetic clasp for ease of closure!

Sata graciously sent me a second pendant which I used to craft a lace jabot with a false brooch. I affixed a strong magnet to the back of the pendant, stitched it to the lace, then glued a second magnet to the back of a button. The button sits behind the stand collar and holds the jabot in place. This method allows for the wearer to choose between the necklace and jabot, while also protecting the collar from damage from what might otherwise be a pin.

Heather’s new Victorian button boots are the perfect shoes for your doll to take a leisurely stroll. I love the four different color options she chose for these (black, brown, white, and cream)! For this ensemble, I selected the brown boots to add a bit of contrast to the otherwise light tones.

I designed this little chapeau by cutting down an 18th century flat-brimmed hat from my stash, then added a green satin ribbon and two white ostrich feathers.

The hat is finished off with a bow made of pink silk ribbon and vintage lace, and a corsage of blue-purple flowers (an homage to the “Violet” pattern!). The hat stays in place with a pearly “hat pin” that is carefully placed behind the bow and into the doll’s wig.