She’s “just a cotton frock”, but it was fun to see where I could take this design. This Lily Absinthe gown is off to her new home and will look even better with a little Old West dust on that pleated hem! n the mid 1880s, there was a fad for cottons with swirly, busy paisley and floral mixed prints for fancy day dresses. I finished this sweet little project and combined it with vintage plush silk ribbon and softened it with my client’s old taupe edged lace, patterned from one of our antique bodices…I miss her already!

Yes, She’s just a cotton frock, but the fun is in the finishing…three kinds of pleating in her skirt, bobbinette shirring and ruching, and pretty silk covered buttons just for some mid 1880s style. I’ve found this style in so many extant images, especially those from the American Old West, so I couldn’t resist making this for a client.