Here at the Southern Volunteer Battalion we understand the value of a family enviroment. We encourage wifes and children to join this wonderful hobby with their significant others.

 

This page will be a wealth of knowledge and a good start to research for your 1860's impression.

 

Here are some good generalizations and common considerations to every wardrobe.

 

Impression (Economics) : The wife of a prominent lawyer will have different wardrobe needs from a rural farmwife in Alabama. Clothing styles and fabric should be suited to the impression you give

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Age: While today we tend to dress as young as we feel, societal mores were not so lenient in the mid-century. There are many high fashion peices that were mostly worn by younger women. Although to dress your age does not mean to fall into wearing outdated styles due to age.

 

Level of Involvement: If you praticipate only once or twice a year, your wardrobe needs will not need to be as extensive as someone who works daily at a historic site. For most weekend reenactors, two or three dresses, one or two chemise, two pairs of drawers, one corset and outerwear should all that is needed.

 

Dressing up, Dressing down: A very simple solid color wool dress in a conservative cut can be used for active labor (cooking, laundress) with only petticoats or modest hoop for support, a sunbonnet, apron and neckerchief. The same dress, worn with a tidy white collar and cuffs, a conservative fashion bonnet and a belt serves for “best wear”

 

Fabrics and trims: Whether purchasing a ready-made dress or making your own it is always best to purchase the highest quality fabric possible. Good quality cotton, wool and linen will make up much more nicely and last much longer.

Here is one of my favorite links to compiled lists of fabric and trim resources.

http://victorianneedle.blogspot.com/p/favorite-links.html

 

Free Upgrades:

It is often the little things that make a big difference. Follow these simple steps to a better impression, without spending a cent.

 

• Remove your makeup. All you need for a dressed face is a bit of sunscreen, some lip balm and perhaps a small dusting of sheer powder.

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• Remove your nail polish. The best manicure is clean hands and trimmed nails. Avoid false nails, French manicures and other modern habit

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• Do a Do. Take some time and practice a period appropriate hairstyle. Getting a center part, pinned back hairstyle will go miles in upgrading your appearance

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• Learn to sew- Even a little! You’ll save money by making things at home. Maybe even find a market for your specialty among the living history community.

   

• Start of right

   

• You can save yourself some time and money by avoiding these common “Merchant Row” purchasing mistakes.

   

• Hats for women: Hats were a rarity when compared to all varieties of bonnet.

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• Poly-content undergarments: You’ll run the risk of heat exhaustion in anything less than 100% natural fibers.

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• Anyting with Velcro, Zippers or snaps

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• Snoods: The rayon crotchet things sold do not resemble hair nets of the time and will not be useful.

 

 

Useful links:

 

http://www.thesewingacademy.com/compendium/  - This is my all-time favorite website. This site has free patterns for Chemise, drawers, petticoats, aprons, slat bonnets and shawl. It also has tons over research and info on children’s clothing along with pinafore patterns for children.

 

http://victorianneedle.blogspot.com/ - A great blog on everything sewing for a 19th century impression. Complete with tutorials.

 

http://annaworden.wordpress.com/

 

http://b-womeninamericanhistory19.blogspot.com/