TEA, TRAVELING & SMITH DRESSES
TRAVELING DRESS
What makes the traveling dress a "traveling dress".
There are several characteristics that separate this dress from others.
One of which, according to Mrs. Pullan, authoress of "THE GUIDE TO DRESS MAKING AND MILLINERY" Beadle's, Nov. 1860, is that the American version of this dress, (to be in good taste) should be made of "Quaker Colors", her term for earth tones. She is especially fond of grey with black, green or magenta colored trimmings.
She has a special distaste for those who would wear a wear bodice with a low corsage when traveling.
For your own convenience, the front of the dress should clear the ground, at least slightly to prevent accidentally stepping on the dress when boarding the steps of cars and coaches, or the inclined gang planks of ships.
Another thing that Mrs. P. likes in a traveling dress is lots of
pockets, and she mentions by name, a pocket deep enough for your railway or steamship ticket.
Ease of mobility on a crowded car or ship is certainly a concern, so it stands to reason that hanging trims, especially long flowing ribbons would be somewhat of a hazard to the wearer.
When seated other passengers might step on them and they would surely be caught in the door of your coach.
The heavily trodden paths from where you depart your car or coach all have one thing in common, good side walks are at a premium and mud is always at a discount. Oh how many hoops and dresses have we permanently stained with the ever present goo that follows us from one event site to another?
Long flowing ruffles on a traveling dress are doomed to be replaced constantly, we suggest avoiding them all together on this type dress.
So less and smaller trimmings would certainly be to the wearers advantage on a traveling dress.
A little smaller circumference at the bottom of the skirt would be a great help as well, but of course that is your choice.
The photo right is of the Polonaise Traveling Dress designed by Emily H. May. It appeard in the April edition of Peterson's Magazine.
In the Gentlemen's magazines and in the papers, there are cartoons and comments by these so called "Gentlemen" exhorting the tribulations of the crinoline fashion. Of how they are being forced to walk in the streets as there is not enough room for them to pass on the side walks when they meet a lady who is sporting the latest fashion.
So, to show some consideration for your fellow passengers hoops and crinolines should be at least slightly smaller than that of your gowns.
The Traveling Dress that Kristina is wearing as she waits for her coach, (photo above right) is one of my favorite designs. We have done our very best to incorporate all the attributes that would make this dress the very best in comfort and style for the traveler.
It has Demi-Pagoda sleeves, (always fashionable) which must be worn with under sleeves. We suggest a light tan color under sleeve when any shade of brown is the predominant color of the dress. A collar of any style, sewn, crochet or knitted goes very well with this dress.
It has two deep pockets sewn right into the skirt, the outer edge of both are trimmed in brown to "set them off" just enough to catch the eye. The dress is being worn with a four bone flounce style hoop that has a circumference of 110 inches, however, it will accommodate the larger 6 bone should you desire.
The dress is made from 100% cotton material with a woven design in warm earth tone shades of brown and tan. Pattern #8 on our color chart. It is trimmed with brown cotton and accented with 1 inch 1851 Goodyear patent buttons.
Side View of our Traveling dress.
Larger View of our Traveling dress.
Sleeve Detail of our Traveling dress.
Pocket Detail of our Traveling dress.
The TRAVELING DRESS that April is wearing to the immediate right is made from a black cotton with grey cotton trim using Goodyear 1851 patent, hard rubber buttons for function and fashion. The skirt pockets and sleeves are also trimmed with a grey cotton tape.
TRAVELING DRESS TYPE II
The Traveling dress type II is made just as described above. Prices start at $349.95
1. CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOR
2. Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $389.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $409.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $429.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $389.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $409.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $429.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $389.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $409.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $429.95 Buy Now
Here is an example of our size chart for dresses.
A size 6 would have a 32 inch bust and a 26 inch waist.
A size 8 would have a 34 inch bust and a 27 inch waist.
A size 10 would have a 36 inch bust and a 28 inch waist.
A size 12 would have a 38 inch bust and a 30 inch waist.
A size 14 would have a 40 inch bust and a 32 inch waist.
A size 16 would have a 42 inch bust and a 34 inch waist.
A size 18 would have a 44 inch bust and a 36 inch waist.
A size 20 would have a 46 inch bust and a 38 inch waist.
A size 22 would have a 48 inch bust and a 40 inch waist.
A size 24 would have a 50 inch bust and a 42 inch waist.
TRAVELING DRESS TYPE I Prices start at $389.95
The Traveling Dress type I has all the features of our type II but also includes the under sleeves, it comes with the underside of the skirt lined 6 inches up with cotton muslin. The bottom of the skirt is taped with a matching cotton.
1. CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOR
2. Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $389.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $409.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $429.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $389.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $409.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $429.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $389.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $409.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $429.95 Buy Now
TEA BODICE WITH MATCHING SKIRT
This outfit has been one of our most requested dresses for years, very stylish and elegant it is appropriate for day or early evening wear.
This bodice is made to give the illusion you are wearing a jacket. But it is actually sewn as one garment so you have the elegance of a jacket without the weight! Which is wonderful for warm weather.
The skirt and "jacket" are of matching material and the body is of a contrasting color.
It has the square neck line, which can be worn with a chemisete (not included) for day wear and removed for an evening engagement should you so choose.
The Tea Bodice shown here is made from a blue shirt weight woven cotton of a check pattern, over a solid, royal blue color cotton. This Tea Bodice has been finished with 1851 Goodyear patent hard rubber "shank style"
buttons with a star design.
Our matching skirt is made with a pleated design a little too complicated for the novice seamstress. It has a very full look and gives you that certain "swish" when you walk.
Click here for a larger view
Click here for another view
Click here for a side view
Connie has accessorized this outfit with hand crochet fingerless mitts and a chatelaine that match the royal blue in her bodice. She is wearing a cream colored hand crochet snood so as not to be "too blue".
There is never an appointment needed to stop by the Blockade Runner. Stop by anytime during our regular store hours.
We have 200 dresses (or more) available on any given day. I'll bet we have one to fit you. If you like you can Phone, E-mail or Instant message us and we will be happy to show you what we have available in your size via our web cam. That's right. You can see exactly what styles and patterns are here awaiting you before you ever leave the comfort of your home.
If you prefer we can custom make any dress to your measurements or even your design. We are available to take your measurements and to fit your creation especially for you. An appointment is required for this service as our seamstresses will have to attend you. Hand sewing is also available. As much, up to and including the entire dress or, as little as the button holes.
One word of warning though, this is not a project for the "faint of budget". Call for a quote.
The photo to your immediate right shows Erica in light pink TEA DRESS with a white bodice body and under-sleeves, she is shown here without a chemisete but more modest types would recommend one for day wear with this outfit.
Yes, this dress was a little long for Erica but as we live quite some distance from each other we hope you will forgive us this little indiscretion. It would have been a long carriage ride back to the shop.
This photo was taken in the garden on the grounds of the Sam Davis Home.
The Phones open at 9 A.M. Central and the Store opens at 10. The Store closes at 5 P.M. but the phones are open (for orders only) until 7 P.M. central. And of course our online catalog with secure on-line ordering is open 24-7.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COLOR CHART
We offer this Bodice & Skirt in two styles.
TEA BODICE W MATCHING SKIRT TYPE II
Skirt and jacket are made of 100% cotton with a woven design.
The body of the bodice is made of 100% cotton of a solid color and is lined with muslin.
It has demi-pagoda style sleeves which will require under sleeves.
The under sleeves (which are included) are of the same color cotton as the body of the bodice.
The buttons on the front of the bodice are our 4 hole 1/2" bone that have been covered with matching material.
The button holes are machine stitched.
The skirt is pleated and hemmed to length.
This model is completely machine sewn.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your Skirt & Jacket to made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
Then Choose Your Bodice Color Below.
TEA BODICE WITH MATCHING SKIRT TYPE II, $189.95 & UP.
1. CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOR
2. Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $189.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $199.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $209.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $189.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $199.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $209.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $189.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $199.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $209.95 Buy Now
3. Now Click the [BODICE COLOR] Button.
4. Now Click on the color chart and choose the color of your bodice.
CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR BODICE COLOR
TEA BODICE W MATCHING SKIRT TYPE I
This outfit has all of the features listed in the skirt and bodice above but also includes;
A pocket sewn into your skirt. This pocket is not obvious to the casual observer.
The button holes are hand sewn.
The inside bottom of the skirt is lined 6 inches up the dress.
The bottom edge is taped with a period correct cotton tape of a neutral color.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your skirt to made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
Then Choose Your Bodice Color Below.
TEA BODICE WITH MATCHING SKIRT TYPE I, $239.95 & UP.
1. CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOR
2. Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $239.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $249.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $259.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $239.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $249.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $259.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $239.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $259.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $259.95 Buy Now
3. Now Click the [BODICE COLOR] Button.
4. Now Click on the color chart and choose the color of your bodice.
CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR BODICE COLOR
THE SMITH DRESS
The original civil war period dress, from which we took the inspiration for ours, was worn by Anne Margaret Magill Smith, of Roswell Georgia.
Mother of 2 confederate soldiers, one of which died of disease just after Gen. Johnson's surrender, but before he could return home to Georgia, from North Carolina.
The original dress is currently on display in the Atlanta History Center. Or as some of us like to call it "MECCA".
Our dress is made from a pattern taken directly from the original.
Just as the original dress, ours is made of printed cotton, the skirt is softly gathered and has one pocket sewn into the dress. It is turned and hemmed at the bottom. The bodice is fitted and has a waist band that is 1 ½ inches wide. The waist is fastened close by means of 2 sets of 2 hook and eyes.
Click here for a larger view
The corsage has a deep V neckline Which
which we have taped with a deep blue color cotton. (The original used printed). The corsage is lined just below the sleeves with muslin that is 6 inches wide and reaches to the waist only, as per the original.
The Sleeves are set with a piping of the same material as the dress.
The "cuff" of the sleeve is folded back, similar to a gauntlet cuff, making a "V" shape which has a 1/4 inch ribbon of deep blue cotton applied to the leading edge. (Again, the original used printed). The cuffs close with a single hook and eye.
Variations, regarding color of trim or prints are available at your request.
This Dress will require a chemisete. Chemisete is not included.
Click here for Chemisettes.
We make our "Smith" Dress with the exacting detail you have come to expect from the Blockade Runner.
We offer this dress in two styles.
The Smith dress as described above is our type II and is completely
machine sewn.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your DRESS to be made from. Then click the Back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
Then Choose Your TRIM Color Below.
SMITH DRESS TYPE II, $249.95 & UP.
1. CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOR
2. Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $249.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $269.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $289.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $249.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $269.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $289.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $249.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $269.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $289.95 Buy Now
3. Now Click the [TRIM COLOR] Button.
4. Now Click on the color chart and choose the color of your bodice.
CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THE COLOR OF YOUR TRIM.
THE SMITH DRESS TYPE I
This version of the dress is exactly as described above but is completely HAND SEWN.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PURCHASING YOUR DRESS
First, visit our color chart page and select you color, woven pattern or the calico you desire your DRESS to be made from. Then click the back button at the top left hand of your window. Now choose your size below. Color first followed immediatly by your size.
Then Choose Your TRIM Color Below.
SMITH DRESS TYPE I, $569.95 & UP.
1. CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOR
2. Choose your size below but be sure you have chosen your color first.
Size 6 Item # $569.95 Buy Now
Size 12 Item # $599.95 Buy Now
Size 18 Item # $629.95 Buy Now
Size 8 Item # $569.95 Buy Now
Size 14 Item # $599.95 Buy Now
Size 20 Item # $629.95 Buy Now
Size 10 Item # $569.95 Buy Now
Size 16 Item # $599.95 Buy Now
Size 22 Item # $629.95 Buy Now
3. Now Click the [TRIM COLOR] Button.
4. Now Click on the color chart and choose the color of your TRIM.
CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR TRIM COLOR
Click here for BALL GOWNS on page 6
Return to DAY DRESSES on Page 4
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