1883 Inspired Girls Victorian Dress

Hello sweet friends! Welcome to a special historical edition of Fashion Friday. Today’s post features an 1883 Inspired Girls Victorian Dress.

A Dress For Kylie Marie

Last week’s post covered the recent costume exhibit of the popular 1883 television series. At the end of the of post I mentioned that I had made a dress for one of the actresses. 

Kylie Marie portrayed one of the children in the immigrant wagon train. 

Photo courtesy of Kylie’s grandmother, Julia. 

As a rule I do not take dress commissions. There are various reasons for this.

• I work full time. 
• I am meticulous and sew quite slowly. There is no way for me to make a living wage. 
• Sewing is my hobby. I do not want it to be my job. 

In addition, historical clothing is constructed differently than our modern clothing. Garments are generally made to a persons measurements. This requires fittings and adjustments. 

However, I said yes to an 1883 dress because as many of you know I have been writing a book of Little House inspired fashions. Many of the fashions that have been recreated for the book have been for adults. 

But I thought that it would be nice to know what Laura’s youngest sister, Grace Ingalls Dow might have worn as a six year old.

Or what Carrie Ingalls Swanzey would have worn at 13 years old. 

1883 Inspired Girls Victorian Dress

When initially discussing Kylie’s dress both she and her grandmother, Julia, loved the idea of it being blue. Elsa Dutton, the heroine of 1883, was shown in blue quite often. 

Historical research is always a must. This fashion plate is from  Musée Des Familles September 1880.

I love this fashion plate from September 1881.

Photographs can also be a wealth of information and inspiration. 

This dress pattern is described to be for a girl 9-15 years of age. Perfect for the two youngest Ingalls girls. 

Simplicity 2843

I had a vintage out of print pattern, Simplicity 2843, that I thought could be adjusted. I used view B but shortened it to mid calf as most young girls would not have worn a full length dress. The pattern also calls for a zipper which is not historically correct. So I altered it with a button placket on the back. 

Kylie is a natural in front of the camera.

Let’s take a moment to admire that ALL the stripes match up. 

We couldn’t have asked for a lovelier day. 

The dress does have a generous hem that can be let out as she grows. 

During the construction process there was a horrible accident involving one of the sleeves and some scissors. I talk about it in the video. 

I love letting kids be kids. 

Being barefoot in good weather is very historically accurate. 

This Week’s Video

In this week’s video, I share the horrible sewing accident, an interview with Kylie and much more!

I’ll see you on Sunday with another special post!

Laura