Inspiration

I have wanted to make a mid-Victorian mourning dress since I was in college and made a mourning bonnet as part of a class project. Years latter, I still have the bonnet, but never have made the dress. Since I'm relatively project free, I've decided now would be a great time to do this.

Why 1858? I like the mid-Victorian period, my hoop is the right shape for this year, and the wool gown I am wearing at Dickens is an 1858 dress, so I might as well continue on with the same year. Also, the existing bonnet works for the late 50's.



I found this mourning dress in the museum section of Karen Augusta's site. She dates it at 1863. Making a few changes in the way the skirt is put together and the sleeves should get me to the 1858 date, but I do like the simplicity of the bodice and the overall line. If I decide I want to bother with proper undersleeves, I'll do a narrow pagoda sleeve, otherwise I'll just make a bishop sleeve and small white cuffs.

For fabric, I plan to use a simple black duchess satin left over from my Madame X dress. I have some lovely black carved buttons I picked up at Costume College several years ago to use a mourning dress. Apart from the buttons, there will be no other trim. If I get carried away, I may put a band of black braid on the skirt, but I want something fairly simple and plain.