Doll Reform Dress, c.1849-1855

Finally finished Nelly's reform dress or Bloomer ensemble. It's a two-piece outfit made of brown wool crepe: her usual dress made up with slim bias-cut sleeves and a shortened skirt, worn over ankle-length trousers.

Nelly's new outfit.

 The trousers are not part of her usual pattern; to make them, I lengthened the split drawers, added a cuff at the ankle, and tacked the center split most of the way closed. They close with a shell button and thread loop. The dress was made as usual, except for the shorted skirt. The dress closes down the back (doll-style) with three metal hooks and thread bars.

I didn't both making a short petticoat to wear with the outfit, since the trousers and the skirt's own body give it ample support, at this small scale. The overall effect is a bit dull, so I might add some trim (or at least a nice collar and small button brooch).