This gown was a real labor of love!  It is not often that I can get my hands on top quality fabrics from the Late Victorian era or the Edwardian era....usually always, the fabrics we get are selvages from preworn clothing, and those fabrics are sometimes suspect at best.  The white organza that forms the outer shell of this gown dates to the early Edwardian period, having come from the skirt of a VERY gently worn tea length gown that was probably only worn once. The dress itself had many critical flaws that didn't hold up well to the ravages of time but the skirting was nearly pristine.  I was especially drawn to the way the organza, being silk, was crisp and stiff , yet it draped so beautifully and had such a fabulous hand to it.  It soft and easy to work with, making the detailing part of the design of the gown a real dream ! There was not a single sign of aging or yellowing anywhere!  To top it off, I fashioned some ribbon work roses and bows using antique and vintage ribbons to garnish the gown. The other laces used in this piece all came from the same era.  This dress was as always hand sewn and utilized 100% antique textiles...including the threads!


This dress is sold, having traveled off to it's new home in Michigan. 

I'm an avid collector of antique laces; I don't think one can be a doll costumer or an historical fashion enthusiast and not have an affinity towards old lace and trims. I must confess that in my collection, I have some laces like the one pictured above, that I will just have a pretty darn hard time parting with!!! These old antique beauties are becoming very rare and very expensive, and coming across them in estate sales or antique stores is not likely to happen anymore.

I don't know if it is just me or if there are others out there with the same inclinations, but I'm disapointed by fabric choices today. "mundane and stiff" have become the rule of today's modern laces..and in many cases the fabrics. While the commercial processes used during Victorian times also involved a high degree of mass production in mills, the quality, in my opinion has never been surpassed. When you hold a length of the Victorian or Edwardian era lace in your hand, there is no comparison to the feel of the workmanship and the natural fibers used. Today's textiles are nearly all plastic when you read their fiber content.

Check out my For Sale page in the up coming future for this ensemble for either a French or German Bisque doll. Pictured here, the outfit is on my 19", reproduction French TeTe Jumeau. Details will be posted soon.