1860s ball gown necklines typically sit on the point of the shoulder and angle slightly down to the center front. I always find proportions to be one of the most important things in costuming. It was thankfully right up top, so the repair was easy to hide! I was flung during the ball in Gettysburg (where this picture was taken) and one ribbon ripped.
You'll notice that in this picture, the ribbon streamers are the same length, while the one on my right is a little longer in the first picture. I do have some rather period correct damage to the dress. My necklace, bracelets, earrings, and paper flowers in my hair are from Dames a la Mode. The flower on the bodice is from A Pink Swan on Etsy. The bodice laces up the back with spiral lacing, based on this bodice that belonged to the Empress Eugenie. The bertha is a separate piece, and made of one wide piece of wool gauze pleated to fit. It's trimmed with 4 inch silk rayon vintage ribbon from eBay, narrow silk ribbon from Farmhouse Fabrics, and self pleated trim. The skirt is set with cartridge pleats on a straight waistband and basted to the bodice. It's flatlined with polished cotton from Needle and Thread and the edges are finished with narrow piping. It follows basic mid-century techniques though.
I loathe making points, so it was an accomplishment! I had hit that time before an event where everything just needs to get done. Unfortunately, the only construction picture I have is the finished bodice point. I've worn this dress three times-to the Gettysburg ball, the Victorian Grand Ball in Pasadena, and to Costume College 2016. Wool gauze is one of those fabrics that has mostly disappeared to time, and there was no way I could pass it up!
However, while looking for wool plaid, I came across wool gauze at Farmhouse Fabrics, and my plans immediately changed. I have several 1850s and 1860s ball gowns that I love. I hadn't even planned on making a new ball gown for Gettysburg Remembrance Day in 2015.
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