So back in April 2020, I announced that I would be making a Victorian Era day dress circa 1880s.

I’ve finally begun to make some decisions with this project.

I have 10 yards of a burgundy pongee (yes this is a historically accurate fabric choice) currently on order. I’ll still need to get an accent fabric for the overskirt and to use with the bodice. I also still need to get trimmings and other odds and ends.

I also picked up 8 yards of a grey plaid fabric. I plan on making an 1886 walking skirt with it as practice before I start the actual dress. I have a bustle pad already from a dress I mad some years ago, but I do have a new one on order.

Given that my 1971 Industrial Janome is in desperate need of repair, and I have yet to find a dealer locally who can repair it, I will most likely be doing the bulk of the sewing by hand. I will be starting the skirt next week. I’ll be post updates here and on my Instagram (octojellycrochet) for those who would like to follow along.