Sewing for a bug

Hence forth the child will be known as Bug.

Bug needed a costume for Dickens. I'd started this dress (a repro Civil War fabric) about 2 years ago, having given upon it because the skirt was too short. I'd based the size off a modern dress of hers, which was a mistake. Waaaaaaay to much ease.

Trying again now the still fit as she is a bean pole, with plenty of room to go. Broke my heart to rip off my hand gathered and hemmed skirt, but I put 3 tucks in the new one to make up for it. The skirt is 2 widths of fabric, cut on the straight with a 2 inch hem.

So I finally mastered the rolled hem, a finishing technique that had been eluding me for ages. I realize now I was trying to do too much for a beginner. Taking separate stitch top and bottom was what it took, only taking 2 stitches once I was more capable.

I love this hem. I tied her sleeves up initially like they do in portraits, and the lack of bulk helped. But, unlike period mothers I used normal ribbons. They were ripped off within minutes. I can see why they used false bows with button closures.

I decided to do a fan front center, for no reason other than I like it. Makes it more 1840's too.

Prior to the next wearing I need to take the neck binding off and sew a casing in. The neck line it far too wide, and a casing is period. Being able to pull in the neckline will make it fit better. And get rid of the two "tucks" I had to do to make the neckline narrower in the front.