In response to my remark about the The Curiosity Shop, I am forwarding the entire message. It may be of interest to many of you involved in researching clothing worn during the Civil War. And, too, it gives a little insight re fabrics used for clothing. At the end of the message is a website for the Curiosity Shop. You will find the "expressions" in an article entitled "By the Jumping Moses!" Also, observe the article "Weeping Sad and Lonely" Mourning in America. That too, will give you insight to Mourning Customs during the Civil War period. This website appears to have lots of material concerning reenactments of battles during Civil War, and is one worth exploring. See below: Dennis Brubaker wrote: I have been asked to make a dress for a Civil War reenactor. She wants it to look authentic but not drab. Response: I recommend either Homespun Patterns or Past Patterns for the most accurate patterns available. Feel free to e-mail me with specific questions. As for fabrics and colors, they had some amazingly bright colors at the time. Depending on where a person lived and their social class they had access to and could afford the new aniline dyes that were amazingly bright. Natural dyes, professionally done are also very bright. Depending on the age of the woman she may have been wearing lighter bright colors (young) or deeper rich colors, (married or older) Solid color silks and very fine wools were very common, as were modest plaids and small checks for silk, fine wool or cotton dresses. Unless you are very familiar with the type of prints available at the time (a study in itself) I would recommend a simple check or plaid. Naturally, avoid neon type colors, but most any blue or brown, most reds, subdued greens are all safe choices. An added note, before cutting the dress material, make a muslin of the bodice and do very careful fittings until it fits snug at the waist and midriff and smooth every where else. Also, make it at least 1"-2" short waisted. The skirt will pull it down to where it should be, at least 1/2" or more above the natural waist line. Remember she will be wearing a hoop and a short petticoat under the hoop and at least one or maybe two petticoats over her hoops to hide the bones. If she's wearing a work dress, she will still need a couple petticoats under it, preferably at least one that is corded and well starched. Again, feel free to contact me off the list for more details as you may want them. >Glenna Jo "Obsessive Reenactor" Christen >gwjchris@rust.net >Visit our web site, "The Curiosity Shop" >http://www.rust.net/~gwjchris/ > > >