Victorian Maternity
An obviously pregnant woman circa 1876-78
When I discovered I was expecting the last time I was determined to have one "nice" maternity outfit for reenactment.
I decided upon the natural form period as my basis- since I wouldn't have to do anything that would restrict me to a certain period.
I already had a maternity corset and a 1859 dress from my previous pregnancy, so that was something I would not have to create.
As I was wandering through the fabric store I saw a piece of fine plum/taupe print that caught my eye as "the fabric" then I had to search all over to find a matching piece of fine cotton twill to combine with it!
The photos below were taken before the inner tape ties were added to the dress, and to top it off I chose a vintage haircomb in a tortoiseshell look with lavender stones set into it. I had seen a dress on ebay that I wanted to copy- or at least try a version thereof..... and now was my perfect chance. The front took quite some modification as my bustline always increases dramatically when I am pregnant, but on the whole the pattern was fairly easy to draft and was quite flattering and comfortable on, although my friends kept kidding me about having a posterior and an anterior bustle. *smile*
When I discovered I was expecting the last time I was determined to have one "nice" maternity outfit for reenactment.
I decided upon the natural form period as my basis- since I wouldn't have to do anything that would restrict me to a certain period.
I already had a maternity corset and a 1859 dress from my previous pregnancy, so that was something I would not have to create.
As I was wandering through the fabric store I saw a piece of fine plum/taupe print that caught my eye as "the fabric" then I had to search all over to find a matching piece of fine cotton twill to combine with it!
The photos below were taken before the inner tape ties were added to the dress, and to top it off I chose a vintage haircomb in a tortoiseshell look with lavender stones set into it. I had seen a dress on ebay that I wanted to copy- or at least try a version thereof..... and now was my perfect chance. The front took quite some modification as my bustline always increases dramatically when I am pregnant, but on the whole the pattern was fairly easy to draft and was quite flattering and comfortable on, although my friends kept kidding me about having a posterior and an anterior bustle. *smile*
My inspiriation the original dress featured on ebay was silk taffeta and probably dated to between 1876-1877.
I loved the color combination and wanted something as striking, but never could find a green that caught my heart.
I also wanted something that was a bit more washable than a taffeta.
I loved the color combination and wanted something as striking, but never could find a green that caught my heart.
I also wanted something that was a bit more washable than a taffeta.
