Elizabeth,
You make some excellent points. I had already planned to have a red (we're
talking turkey red, not a bright cherry red) box pleated ruffle down the CF,
the cuff and (a smaller one) at the neck. That may be enough contrast;
however, I really want to challenge myself with correctly making
If your costuming goal is to have a garment that reflects overall norms for the
mid-century, then please do use self-fabric piping or corded piping on cotton
print dresses. It is *by far* the most typical. Mrs Lincoln's gown is atypical,
even for a high-fashion dress, and should not be used as
