Ladies Formal / Ball Bodices, Skirts & Dresses 

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Camp and Work Dresses

Day and Evening Dresses, Bodices and Skirts, including Hoop Skirts and Bustle Dresses

Formal, Ball, Wedding, Reception and other Fancy Dresses, including Hoop Skirts and Bustle Dresses

Ladies and Girls Dresses - General Information

Our Dresses are Custom Made     All our dresses are custom made, much the same as they were in the 1800s; except you don't need to come in person, we do it long distance. We do not offer off the rack dresses, although we sometimes have prototype dresses or dresses pre-made as one of a kind (such as the "Frocks of Ages" "Imperials"). We DO NOT make a copy, or copies, of a dress that has already been made. The only except to this would be to reproduce an original period dresses. If you find a dress that we have already made and want one "just like it" we will not do this. But we will work with you to make one that you will like, but is not identical to an existing dress. That way you can never show up somewhere and have someone there in the same dress.     The dresses we offer are made from authentic patterns, period photographs and drawings or modified patterns (to make them authentic or to create a dress from a drawing or photograph). There are many more patterns for reproduction dress available than we are able to show on the web site. If you have found a pattern that you would like to have a dress made from, we can most likely use it.     To make a dress from a pattern we do not show, you need to send us the name of the pattern maker and the pattern number or send us the pattern. For dresses made from a drawing or photograph, you will need to send us the drawing/photo and as much description of the dress and time period as possible.     If you can't find a pattern, photo or drawing of exactly what you want, we will work to your specifications. Call, Write or E-Mail to discuss what you want. Prices      Starting price is for cotton material and basic style shown, other materials, modifications, additional trim or other changes will affect the final price. We believe that our prices are very competitive for the quality and authenticity we offer.  Materials      Materials range from cotton, cotton blends, woolens, silk and others in an array of colors. Dresses can be made of a solid color, a print or combination of both in complementary or contrasting colors?      Materials will be different for a day dress, vs. riding habit vs. a formal, evening or ball / dance dress.      You can select a color and let us pick out the style of material, to fit the occasion. You might want to consider that bodice/ blouses and skirt were to look like dresses and visa versa, so matching material for both would not be unusual.      Pastel Colors: to use for dance or spring. Ranging from light yellow, pink, blue and etc.      Dark Colors: Navy, medium brown to chocolate brown, greens, blues, burgundy, wine, rust and etc. (we don't suggest navy, since it fades heavily).      Medium Colors: browns, greens, blues, rust, and etc.      Earth tones Colors:  Cream, off white, tan's, browns, rust, etc. Trim / Decoration      Trims can be braid, lace and or piping in matching or contrasting color. The amount of trim and type of trim used will be done according to the style and use of the dress. We can also do some lace or crocheted collars, etc. If you have something special in mind for trim or decoration, check with us to see id we can do it. Fit / Sizing / Measurements     Many of the order boxes ask for the necessary measurements required for the particular dress. Not all have been updated to ask for this information. If the sizes are not asked for on the order box, it is best to fill out the Women's Measurement Chart to obtain the best fit. UNLESS the dress is to be worn by multiple people or is for display only (such as for a museum docent or mannequin), then it can / should be ordered by a standard dress size.

Ladies 1830s Lauren Dress: Evening

This is a custom made dress for a museum. Needs to be made of very light material, and calls for a lot of material, as you can tell. Also a dress designed not for a large woman.      The bodice/ top is .      The skirt is.      This dress needs to be called on, for material availability..      NOTE;  This is the corded petticoat era, although some seem to start with the 4 bone hoop, before adding the expensive of a corded petticoat. Need to decide how you want to proceed in this area.      Color range, material, prices and measurements.      Priced from: $430.00     Call, Write or E-Mail with your interests and we will try to accommodate your needs. Ladies 1830s Lauren Dress: Evening Click an image below for a larger view Front Side Shoulder Lace Sleeve  We DO NOT make identical dresses. DO NOT ask for a dress "just like" one that we  have already made. Something must be changed: color, trim, fabric design or dress pattern. Also many of the fabrics shown are no longer available. That is why we don't list specific fabric choices.

Ladies 1840s Gowns (Dress or Bodice & Skirt): Formal and Ball

What's coming in the Future     In the future we will be adding dresses from patterns for the 1840s. Call, Write or E-Mail with your interests and we will try to accommodate your needs.     "Currently in development".

Ladies 1848 into the 1850s Fan Front Dress: Evening / Wedding

This is a custom made dress for a museum. Needs to be made of very light material, and calls for a lot of material, as you can tell. Also a dress designed not for a large woman.     The bodice/ top is very full with a gathered full curved bottom. Light lace trim around neck. There are 2 rows of satin ribbon on the edge of all the ruffles. Unseen in the picture, the dress seems to have detachable sleeves which are shown in the below pictures to take on and off when desired.     The skirt is with 4 flounces sewn over a (under) skirt under the ruffles.     This dress needs to be called on, for material availability. Could look very pretty in a Swiss miss with contrasting ribbon. Could also be made with no ribbon edge or replaced with lace edge. Also could be 3 flounces instead of four.     NOTE;  This is the corded petticoat era, although some seem to start with the 4 bone hoop, before adding the expensive of a corded petticoat. Need to decide how you want to proceed in this area. Ladies 1848 into the 1850s Fan Front Dress: Evening / Wedding Click an image below for a larger view  We DO NOT make identical dresses. DO NOT ask for a dress "just like" one that we  have already made. Something must be changed: color, trim, fabric design or dress pattern. Also many of the fabrics shown are no longer available. That is why we don't list specific fabric choices.     Custom made item, please allow 4 - 8 weeks for delivery. Custom Clothing and Uniforms are not returnable. Starting price is for cotton material and style shown, other materials, modifications, additional trim or other changes will affect the price. Rush orders MAY be available for an additional price, call us about this. A rush order reduces the manufacturing time but DOES NOT include faster shipping, for faster shipping use the shipping option on the "View Cart" page.

Ladies 1848-1850s Fan Front Dress Priced From: $460.00 Dress Size: Size Char Select Size Dress Size 8 Dress Size 10 Dress Size 12 Dress Size 14 Dress Size 16 Dress Size 18 Dress Size 20 Material Descriptions Select Material Cotton Batiste with Cotton Lining Light Weight Cotton with Cotton Lining Basic Color White Blue Pastel Pink Pastel Embroidery Select No Embroidery Hand Embroiderey in Fan Front +$35.00 Top Closure 1848 Sleeves Select No Under Sleeves 1848 Sleeves w/Sleeve Inserts +$35.00 Ruffles on Sleeve Caps Ruffles on Sleeve Caps Skirt Diameter Select 125'' Skirt Diameter 1860's 160'' Diameter +$25.00 Dust Strip/Ruffle Select No Dust Strip Dust Strip +$20.00 Comments (180 characters max) Height " Bust " Waist " Neck to Waist " Waist to Floor " Arm Length " Wrist " Neck " Finished Length " Delivery Time Standard Delivery Time Rush Order CALL FIRST Qty Add 2 Cart

Ladies 1850s Bodice & Skirt: Formal and Ball

This is the ball gown for the 1850s (1850-1857).       Note; If you have a print or drawing you can also scan & e-mail it in for a price quote.      Measurements; Need the measurement chart.     Call, Write or E-Mail with your specifications, and for the measurements needed. Prices vary depending upon the amount of work and materials used.     Custom made item, please allow 4 - 8 weeks for delivery. Custom Clothing and Uniforms are not returnable. Starting price is for cotton material and style shown, other materials, modifications, additional trim or other changes will affect the price. Rush orders MAY be available for an additional price, call us about this. A rush order reduces the manufacturing time but DOES NOT include faster shipping, for faster shipping use the shipping option on the "View Cart" page.

Ladies 1858 - 1860s Bodice & Skirt: Formal, Wedding and Ball

Linda Gown     At this time we're only offering the 1858s thru 1860s ball bodice / blouse and skirt. All bodices are made with lining and boning. Depending on time period the sleeves and point are adjusted to fit the period. Gathered sleeves, with arm cuffs/band or gathered drawstring band.. Laces up the back with grommets/ button holes are hook and eyes. Pointed front with straight cut back. Scooped neck with off the shoulder design.      The picture to your left is a 1858 ball bodice and skirt. The top has a full gathered and lace trim collar with hand made flower in center. Puff sleeves with band. With the short point for the 50s style, and buttons in back.      The bottom skirt is with white lace and ribbon. The top/ over skirt is scooped to meet on each side of waist band with ruffles all around. The material, that doesn't show up is a seersucker with rainbow colors in pin strips. This dress could easy be carried over into Civil War do to lack of material, due to the war. Waist band that buttons in back. (See pictures below).      Another is the bright pink cotton pin strip with cotton eyelet lace trim across in rows of the front. Contrast pink sleeve caps and arm band, that hook and eyes in back. The skirt is double, with the top being bright pink polish cotton with waist band that buttons in back. Ball Bodice      Note: The difference from 1850 thru the 60's is mainly the point. Further forward in time the more narrow, sharp point you had whereas in the 50's was a shorter more blunt point. As you can tell in the drawings in A & C.      Optional is epaulets, (which are the small piece that is above the gather or pleated part of the sleeve), shown in darker pink picture, sleeve style, point size, material and rather to be a single, or double skirt or with flounces found in our never ending dress. Price will depend on style, material and how much trim/ fancy you will want. CAUTION with flounces or double skirt: this dress SHOULD NOT be made from heavier drapery material, as the weight of the dress would be excessive. It can be made from the lighter drapery/home decor fabrics, although the weight may still exceed the capacity of a normal hoop and require a steel cage hoop. Ladies 1858 - 1860s Bodice: Formal and Ball Sample A (left half) Plain w/Balloon Sleeves - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sample B (right half) Bertha w/Double Balloon Sleeves Sample C (left half) Lace Trim w/ Straight Sleeves - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sample D (right half) Plain w/Drawstring Balloon Sleeves Sample Combo (Combination of A, B & C) Linda Gown Click an image below for a larger view Front Side Top Detail / Collar  We DO NOT make identical dresses. DO NOT ask for a dress "just like" one that we  have already made. Something must be changed: color, trim, fabric design or dress pattern. Also many of the fabrics shown are no longer available. That is why we don't list specific fabric choices. Ball Skirt      The skirt see optional. General, on bodice and skirt    Material;  Can be made of cotton, drapery, taffeta or velvet, or mix. Although for drapery, suggest a good firm hoop. See optional for design in skirt. The one of the picture of the darker pink is approx. 20 years old and is made of cotton. Also the light color and white is of cotton is our newest prototype. Note, cotton is easier to take care.    Measurements; Need the measurement chart.    Call, Write or E-Mail with your specifications, and for the measurements needed. Prices vary depending upon the amount of work and materials used. E-mail Frances at azrahist@aol.com for any questions on this or any other dress.     Custom made item, please allow 4 - 8 weeks for delivery. Custom Clothing and Uniforms are not returnable. Starting price is for cotton material and style shown, other materials, modifications, additional trim or other changes will affect the price. Rush orders MAY be available for an additional price, call us about this. A rush order reduces the manufacturing time but DOES NOT include faster shipping, for faster shipping use the shipping option on the "View Cart" page.

Ladies 1858 - 1860s Bodice & Skirt: Formal, Wedding and Ball Priced From: $350.00 Size Size Chart Select Size Dress Size 8 Dress Size 10 Dress Size 12 Dress Size 14 Dress Size 16 Dress Size 18 Dress Size 20 Dress Size 22 Dress Size 24 Material Descriptions Select Material Cotton, modern Cotton, Repro +$35.00 Drapery +$70.00 Satin, Solid +$90.00 Silk, Solid +$90.00 Taffeta, Solid +$90.00 Silk Taffeta, Plaid +$170.00 Basic Color Theme Select Color Theme Brown / Earthtone Blue Burgundy Green Pink Red Wine Color Tone Select Tone Light Med Dark Fabric Design (Cotton or Drapery ONLY) Fabric Design Solid Small Print Large Print Stripe Plaid +$20.00 Bodice Bottom: Bodice Bottom Standard Point Deep Point Sleeves: Select Sleeve Sample A (Balloon) +$20.00 Sample B (Double Balloon)+$30.00 Sample C (Straight) Sample D (Draw-String Balloon) +$20.00 Bodice Trim: Select Bodice Trim Sample A & D (Plain) Sample C +$25.00 Sample Linda Epaulettes No Epaulettes Epaulettes +$15.00 Bertha No Bertha Bertha (Sample B) +$55.00 Skirt Lining Select Lined/Unlined Skirt Unlined Lined Skirt +$42.00 Tucks Select Tucks/No Tucks No Tucks 1 Tuck +$8.50 2 Tucks +$17.00 3 Tucks +$25.50 4 Tucks +$34.00 Skirt Trim: Ribbon/Lace/Rick-Rack/Linda Select Trim No Trim 1 Row Ribbon/Lace/Rick-Rack Trim +$8.50 2 Rows Ribbon/Lace/Rick-Rack Trim +$17.00 3 Rows Ribbon/Lace/Rick-Rack Trim +$25.50 Ribbon/Lace/Rick-Rack Trim on Bodice & Skirt +$50.00 Lace and Ribbon At Skirt Bottom No Lace or Ribbon on Skirt Bottom Lace & Ribbon Skirt Bottom +$40.00 Dust Strip No Dust Strip Dust Strip +$20.00 Closure Select Closure Buttons Hand Sewn Hook & Eyes +$65.00 Grommet Eyelets for Lacing +$65.00 Comments (90 characters max) Height " Bust " Waist " Neck to Waist " Waist to Floor " Arm Length " Wrist " Neck " Skirt Finished Length " Delivery Time Standard Delivery Time Rush Order CALL FIRST Qty Add 2 Cart

Ladies 1870s through 1890s Bustle Dress: Formal and Ball

Princess Eugenia Ball Gown Ecru and Ivory Gown     We can make Formal, Wedding, Reception and Ball bustle dresses for the 1870s, 1880s and 1890s periods. Call, Write or E-Mail with your interests and we will try to accommodate your needs.     The dress pictured on the left is one that is already made up and ready to ship, it does not count as a "Custom Item". It is a "One of a Kind", as all of our dresses are. Click here for more information on this dress.     Please Call, Write or E-Mail with your specifications for having a custom dress made. Prices vary depending upon the amount of work and materials used.     Custom made item, please allow 4 - 8 weeks for delivery. Custom Clothing and Uniforms are not returnable. Starting price is for cotton material and style shown, other materials, modifications, additional trim or other changes will affect the price. Rush orders MAY be available for an additional price, call us about this. A rush order reduces the manufacturing time but DOES NOT include faster shipping, for faster shipping use the shipping option on the "View Cart" page.

Ladies 1???s Dress / Bodice & Skirt: Formal and Ball

What's coming in the Future     Not everything we have available is on our web site. We are adding items as time allows.     In the future we will be adding more outfits. Some will be for periods that already have dresses up on the web site and others will be for periods not currently on the our site. For example 1835, 1840, 1857, 1876, 1884 and 1893 periods.     We currently have done dresses not shown on our web site, some of these have been done from original pictures and/or drawings. We also have patterns for many more dresses and periods than we show.     Call, Write or E-Mail with your interests and we will try to accommodate your needs.