The Débutante Ball

The débutante, or coming out, ball was basically a formal introduction into society. The tradition originated in the mid-1700s and has continued in various forms until this day. By the Victorian Age, the débutante dress often modified into a wedding dress. The modification was easily accomplished due to the common chemisette bodice, which was easily swapped for another of a different design. The debutante dress usually had short sleeves and a low neckline, adding a chemisette or a similar bodice easily converted the dress into a wedding dress.

A flower corsage or bouquet was sometimes presented to the debutante, many girls held to the tradition of saving their flowers by drying or pressing.

Recently I was honored to stand up with a friend on her wedding day. I saved a couple flowers from my bouquet, hanging them inside my car from the mirror. The hot dry heat of the car died the flowers overnight, they turned out very well as you can see from the picture.

~Ashley

~Cinderella Dress Making ~

I believe this is my favorite part in the original Disney Cinderlla movie. I love the clever techniques- swinging shoes, threads from the ceiling. The Cinderlla movie planted the idea of a dress form in my young mind, so when my great aunt was giving away her dress form, I was a thankful grand-niece. Although I didn't use the form for a few years, it sat waiting in the barn. Now, it is indispensable.

~Ashley

~Welcome~

The First Design

Dress-up has always held great appeal to me. As a child , I walked down my grandfather’s hallway with a sheer pillow case on my head and a curtain draped across my shoulders—in my imagination: A beautiful bride. I had found the cast off items in the spare room closet, delicate, white, and beautiful. My uncle handed me a dandelion. My hallway procession was just the beginning of many costumes.

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So, that is how it started. In the near future, I hope to post pictures of the outfits created for various re-enactments, costume socials, and festivals. Although most of the outfits are Victorian Era and early 1900s, we have made a few party costumes.
Many have asked me if I sew the dresses and what patterns I have used. I haven't really used patterns. All outfits are made from old cast offs. Unlike professional costume designers, old clothes are purchased from second hand stores and altered to create the desired look. Professional designs are often costly and sewing from a pattern is largely time consuming.
I strive to provide authentic costumes at a reasonable cost, recycling clothing, turning something old into something beautiful. I am often enthusiastically joined by my friends and sisters in this endeavor. My blog is both a display and a tribute to their advice, photography, design, and general friendship. Together, we plan to bring these costumes to your doorstep and hopefully entertain you with historical quotes, facts, and fun. Enjoy my blog!


~Ashley
Of the Ash Tree Meadow, Designs. (c) 2010