This pattern is from Pictorial Review's 1916 line. You can see more examples of this style in the catalog scans that follow in this section (or you can get my 1916-17 catalog eBook). Interesting how fashion went from pencil-thin to full and blouse-y in just three years!

Here is a cute 19-teens photo of five friends. The belted waists and skirted blouses on three of the gowns lead me to believe this was taken around 1915-16. What fun!

Illustration of three girls in fancy lace afternoon dresses from a 1915 catalog. These styles were used a lot for graduation and other special events in a young lady's life.

Woman's waist pattern, circa 1915. Note the long, draped collar and belted waist. Both were popular from about 1914-1918.

This is the Winderwheedle family around 1915. My great-grandmother, Phoebe Winderwheedle, is the one in the center--the only one with a light-colored skirt! Phoebe was an incredible seamstress who made all her own clothes. She had red hair and loved to be different. I love this picture.

Woman's dress pattern, circa 1915. Unfortunately, the pattern envelope has torn, making it difficult to see some of the wonderful details of this lovely day dress.

This is a darling 1915 pattern for a toddler girl's dress, circa 1915. Note the embroidery and feminine detailing. Many patterns of this era included embroidery transfers that could be traced or iron directly onto fabric so the user could easily follow them to create the motifs.

I wanted to send you pictures of the completed Beatrix Potter Outfit. It was very easy to make with your online help.

Here are some pictures from the first Regency dress I made! I loved your pattern; it was very easy. I used a cotton fabric with little raised blue dots and a grosgain ribbon for the trim.

This is my golden silk 1860s ballgown, made for me by Kay Demlow of Lavender's Green in 2000. I told Kay I was ready for a new gown (two babies had quickly "moved" me out of my old gown!), and I said I was thinking of a pale gold. Kay knew exactly what I wanted and got to work right away. The results were breathtaking!

Here I am in my custom Civil War day dress by Mrs. Martin's Mercantile (unfortunately, Mrs. Martin has now retired). The skirt and bodice are made of 1860s reproduction fabric with a tiny black pattern on brown. Pagoda sleeves are trimmed with black cotton and piping, and the hemline of the skirt is trimmed all 'round with black cotton.

Marna Jean shared these beautiful images of herself and her daughter in outfits she created. The adorable dress on her daughter is ca. 1880, and the stunning ballgown is also from that period. The walking dress at the far right is from an original 1881 pattern. Marna Jean runs Shooting Star Enterprises and offers custom-made Victorian outfits for ladies, gentlemen and children! Be sure to visit her wonderful site.

Doesn't Becky look fantastic in her daygown? This original outfit was created for Becky by Kay Demlow of Lavender's Green. Kay does spectacular work. You can see a ballgown she made for me in another post. Thanks for sharing this beautiful dress, Becky!

Here is an original 1890s walking suit which was sold at auction on eBay. Note the tailored fit and the fullness at the back of the skirt to allow for walking. The trimming details are interesting as well.

Here is a fantastic 1870s bustled polonaise sold on eBay by USVainen, a former seller whose knowledge of vintage fashion was astounding and whose descriptions were delightful. This seller graciously agreed to let me share her images and words on my site, and I think you'll enjoy them as much as I have!

This is an original Civil War era day dress which was sold at auction on eBay. The bright colors often surprise people who are used to seeing only black and white photographs from this period. Jet buttons march down the back of the bodice

Here is an original Civil War era day dress which was sold at auction on eBay. Very pretty brown and blue plaid taffeta with buttons down the front of the bodice.

Four drop-dead gorgeous ensembles by world-renowned designer, Frederick Worth. These costumes are owned by the Museum of the City of New York. Breathtaking! From left to right: Ballgown, circa 1865, of nougat satin trimmed with tulle, swansdown, crystal beads and glass pearls;

This is a gorgeous green taffeta dress sold at auction on eBay. This is post 1865, as you can see the longer skirt back, which hints at the trains that would follow in the late 1860s and 1870s. The square yoke with the ruffles is also a good indicator of a post-1865 date. This is just a smashing ensemble and would be marvelous to reproduce!

This is a heavenly silk ballgown with its original reticule purse, circa 1830. "Silk satin, cotton net, embroidered cotton ribbon, cloth flowers, muslin lining. Owned by Harriet Van Schoonhoven-Roy. The Van-Schoonhoven family came to America in 1695 and settled in Waterford, New York. The details and construction of the sleeves of this evening dress are wonderful,