Where this will start

Here are the patterns will purchase for this dress. I will need the elliptical hoop, skirt & bodice. I chose to order from Truly Victorian. Their patterns are really easy to follow & they have great customer service. The patterns are: Hoop: http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/103.html Skirt: http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/247.html Bodice: http://trulyvictorian.com/catalog/442.html I will be altering the bodice as I don't care for the pattern's design. Also, to get the shortened bodice look of this period, I will have to tuck the bodice into the skirt waistband. I will probably add some hooks & eyes to keep the bodice in place. Bodices of this time were above the natural waistline but below the bustline (lower than Empire). They fell somewhere in between. I am planning to make an overskirt as well. See the picture in my previous post. My inspiration is the white & blue dress on the far left. I want to make a similar skirt. Since I have fallen completely in love with cotton sateen, I will probably use that for most of the dress. It's affordable (since this will take loads of fabric) & has a nice formal look. It's comfortable to wear as well. Since it is inspired by mourning, the fabric can't be too flashy. I think I will have a sheer black overlay on the overskirt (I found some last night too going through my stuff, woo-hoo!). I want to do pleated ruffles on the underskirt & overskirt. For this I am planning on getting the Perfect Pleater (http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=1711&criteria=pleater). I think that will give it the perfect look. I don't know what details & trim I will do yet. I will decide that once I know I can actually construct this. As for accessories, that will be a separate post.