Our Crowning Glory,
Mid 19th Centruy Hairstyles and How to Achieve Them

Price $20.00

My Baby
A Guide to Re-enacting with Baby

This publication is presented with actual accounts, patterns, pictures, and sewing diagrams from the original magazines of the mid-19th century, with modern and practical approaches given as suggested helpful hints.

Price $10.00

Bonnets

All bonnets are trimmed appropriately with rosettes, lace, braiding, hand-made trims, and or antique flowers.

Cottage Style

Our most popular style, this bonnet has a stiff, solid brim and crown with a hard back piece. Rather than buckram we use AMISH BONNET BOARD, which holds up very well in damp weather and does not warp or lose shape with time if packed carefully.
Trimmed Bonnets $75.
Plain Bonnets $65.

Choose your preferred style. Trimmed $75.00 USD Plain $65.00 USD Tell us your color preference.

Drawn Style

This soft style features casings with bonnet wire or feather boning used in each casing, and has a soft back piece.
Trimmed Bonnets $75.
Plain Bonnets $65.

Choose your preferred style. Trimmed $75.00 USD Plain $65.00 USD Tell us your color preference.

Capote Style

A combination of the previous bonnets, the Capote has a higher stiff brim (again using the bonnet board), a soft back and crown, and is recommended for people needing height.
Trimmed Bonnets $75.
Plain Bonnets $65.

Choose your preferred style. Trimmed $75.00 USD Plain $65.00 USD Tell us your color preference.

Straw Capote

A straw brim with capote soft back and crown.
Price $50

Scotch Caps

Originally from Peterson’s Magazine of the period, this style has a tear drop shape. This jaunty hat can be made of velveteen, gros grain, or moire with dashing braid or ribbon and feather trims.
Price $30

Indicate desired color & trim

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Lady's Accessories

Purses and Reticules

Fabric Reticule.
Price $15

Hand Crochet Reticule with beading.
Price $25

Fancy Purse with beading. (not Pictured)
Price $35

Hand Embroidered Reticule
Price $45

Choose your style Fabric Reticule $15.00 USD Hand Crochet Beaded $25.00 USD Fancy Beaded $35.00 USD Hand Embroidered $45.00 USD Indicate desired color

Simple Daytime Caps

Our caps are plain muslin or batiste adorned with ribbons and/or lace.
Price $10

Indicate desired Trim

Undersleeves

Plain white or black  undersleeves with lace & elastic at both ends.
Price $12

Plain white or black with cuff at wrist.
Price $20

Eyelet white/cream.
Price $24

Fancy with lace and trim.
Price $30

Embroidered White cuff
Price $30

Hand Crocheted
Price $50

Choose your style Plain White lace & elastic $12.00 USD Plain Black lace & elastic $12.00 USD Plain White cuff at wrist $20.00 USD Plain Black cuff at wrist $20.00 USD White Eyelet $24.00 USD Cream Eyelet $24.00 USD Fancy w/ lace & trim $30.00 USD Embroidered White cuff $30.00 USD Hand Crochet $50.00 USD Indicate desired color

Garters

Our garters are made with grosgrain ribbon on the outside with cotton lining and elastic inside, one size fits most, unless otherwise specified.
Price $10

Ribbon Hairnets

Often worn with more formal afternoon and evening ensembles. This is a lovely net style headdress made of woven satin or organdy ribbon with coordinating beads at every intersection, mounted on a piece of milliners wire with elastic under the back. Decorated with pleated ribbon or flowers on the top half. Specify ribbon and bead colors.
Price $45

Ribbon and Bead Color

Coronets and Hair Combs

A circle of wire covered with flowers and leaves in the colors of your choice. An easy headress for evening attire.
Price $20

You can also choose a plain comb adorned with paper or silk flowers and antique millinery leaves.
Price $12

Either option is a lovely addition to your evening chignon

Choose your style Coronet $20.00 USD Hair Comb $12.00 USD Indicate Color

Fichus

A basic accessory that every mid-19th century wardrobe should include. It dresses up or changes the appearance of any daytime gown. One size fits most. We offer this in plain cotton with lace or eyelet edging, lace with lace edging in white, ecru or black. Other fabric options or hand embroidery upon request.
Price $30

Choose your style Plain White Lace $30.00 USD Plain White Eyelet $30.00 USD Plain Black Lace $30.00 USD Plain Black Eyelet $30.00 USD Plain Ecru Lace $30.00 USD Plain Ecru Eyelet $30.00 USD Lace White Lace $30.00 USD Lace Black Lace $30.00 USD Lace Ecru Lace $30.00 USD

Traveling Bags

Taken directly from the 1864 Godey’s, traveling bags are a great alternative to reticules and baskets that are too small.  With a center hole, items can be dropped down either side, and the bag may be draped over the arm or carried by the rings.  Made out of heavier fabrics like tapestry, these are lined. Colors and fabric designs vary according to what’s in stock.
Price $30

Indicate desired color

Parasols Covers

Our parasol covers transform any old or incorrect parasol fabric into a fancier parasol with a correct appearance. Covers are mode out of cotton morie or taffeta, and are trimmed with fringe or lace.
Price $20

Our embroidered parasols covers are hand done again on cotton morie or fancier fabrics and are also trimmed.
Price $35

Choose your style Plain Cotton Moire $20.00 USD Plain Taffetta $20.00 USD Embroidered Cotton Moire $35.00 USD Embroidered Other Fabric $35.00 USD Indicate desired color/fabric

Crochet Shawls

Our crochet shawls can be made in almost any color, and provide light warmth to customers on chilly mornings. Made out of washable acrylic yarns for easy care.
Price $45

Indicate desired color

Crochet Shoulder Capelets

One of our most popular items, our shoulder capelets featured in the Victorian Crochet Booklet, originated in Weldon’s Victorian Crochet and provides substantial warmth, while freeing one’s hands and arms to be active as capelet fastens at the neck, with a rosette or ribbon ties.
Price $100

Indicate desired color

Crochet Mitts

Mitts are hand made out of Soft (luster sheen) cotton in black, white or ecru. Special colors can be made upon request.
Price $14

Choose your style Black $14.00 USD White $14.00 USD Ecru $14.00 USD Other $14.00 USD Indicate Other Color

Knitted and Crochet Sontags

We offer a knitted version and a crochet version, both in a variety of colors.
Price $80

Knit $80.00 USD Crochet $80.00 USD Indicate desired color

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Lady's Underpinnings

Pantalettes

Authentic open crotch Pantalettes made on a waistband to your waist measurement and trimmed with one tuck and eyelet at the hem edge.
Please specify height and waist measurements when ordering.
Price $45

Height Measurement Waist Measurement

Basic Petticoats

Choose from under the hoop or over the hoop petticoat with drawstring at waist and eyelet at the hem. Please be sure to specify the desired length and the circumference of your hoop when ordering.
Over the Hoop Price $70
Under the Hoop Price $50

Choose your style Under the Hoop $50.00 USD Over the Hoop $70.00 USD Length Waist

Fancy Petticoats

This lovely cotton petticoat boasts 4 yards in circumference, is made with a waistband, and feature multiple tiers of white eyelet. Please be sure to specify the desired length and the circumference of your hoop in addition to your waist measurement when ordering.
Price $90

Length & Waist Circumference

Chemises

A special design exclusive to
The Octagon.
Plain white cotton chemise gathered into a hand crocheted neckband with ribbon woven through which allows for adjustability. Specify shoulder measurement and modern dress size when ordering.
Price $70

Shoulder Measure Modern Dress Size

Corsets

Plain White Price $75
Fancy Colored Price $95

Choose your style Plain White $75.00 USD Fancy Colored $95.00 USD Waist and Backwaist Measure Bust, Bra Size, and Cup Size

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Adult Clothing

Basquine Bodice and Skirt

This is a basic fitted jacket style bodice which can be lenghtened or shortened as needed. Sleeves can be interchanged. Also makes a nice winter coat of wool or velvet using one size larger. From a diagram in October 1857 Peterson's. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $150

Sleeve Style Pagoda $150.00 USD Bell $150.00 USD Coat $150.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Bodice with Bretelles and Skirt

Numerous pictures of this style appeared in the 1840s and 1850s. It was still somewhat popular in the early 1860s as the V shape made by the Brettelles or Braces gave a slimming effect to the waist. Fastens down the back. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $150

Sleeve Style Pagoda $150.00 USD Bell $150.00 USD Bishop $150.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Simple Ladies 2-piece Daytime Dress for over the hoop

Our simple 2-piece dress consists of a plain skirt either pleated or gathered onto the waistband with durable hooks & eyes, along with a non-fitted bodice that buttons up the front, and is not lined. Sleeve choice includes the bishop with a cuff. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $110

Sleeve Style Pagoda $110.00 USD Bell $110.00 USD Bishop $110.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Basic One Piece Work Dress

A basic one piece dress that buttons up the front with minimal or no trim, made in a cotton calico print.  Bodice is lined and fitted, and has bishop sleeves with cuff, or gathered at wrist with elastic and ruffle. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $130

Sleeve Style Pagoda $130.00 USD Bell $130.00 USD Bishop $130.00 USD Coat $130.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Fancy Ladies Daytime Dress for over the hoop

Fancier 2-piece dresses consist of a plain skirt either pleated or gathered onto the waistband with durable hooks & eyes, along with a fitted bodice that either buttons up the front, or hooks & eyes up the back, depending upon which style bodice is chosen.  All fitted bodices are lined with muslin, and trim choices vary from braid to ribbon to lace.  Sleeve choices include pagoda, bell or bishop sleeves.  Plain Fitted Bodice also available with pagoda sleeve. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $150

Sleeve Style Pagoda $150.00 USD Bell $150.00 USD Bishop $150.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Atlanta Dress -- One piece with gathered style bodice

One piece dress that features a V neckline with one sturdy hook and bar at the front waist closure. Bodice is gathered in the front and back and has a full bishop sleeve with elastic and ruffle finish at the wrist. Bodice is lined unless otherwise specified. The dress is trimmed at the sleeve and neck edge with lace and/or braid. this dress is best made with shear or lightweight cotton. A simple and tasteful summer choice. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $150

Sleeve Style Pagoda $150.00 USD Bell $150.00 USD Bishop $150.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Basic Skirts

At least 4 yards of fabric are pleated onto a waistband with sturdy hooks and eyes for the closure.  All basic skirts are in washable cotton.  Please specify colors and print options at the time of ordering. Skirt only. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $70

Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Spanish Jacket with Skirt

Our Spanish Jacket is a short bolero style that is fitted and lined, with a frog or button closure at the neck.  This features the coat sleeve and can be made out of cotton, velvet, velveteen, wool, linen etc.  Jacket can be left plain or trimmed heavily with an adjusted price. Basic Jacket with no trim. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $135

Sleeve Style Coat $135.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Zouave Jacket

Our Zouave jacket can be made out of cotton, tapestry, flannel, or wool as available and is slightly trimmed around neck edge and sleeves, with a closure at the neck. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $70

Sleeve Style Pagoda $135.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Ladies Ballgowns

Ballgowns can be made out of taffeta, brocade or satin, and can be left relatively plain with trim on the bodice or very ornate with much trim on the skirt and bodice. Skirts are pleated or gathered onto the waistband with hook & eye closure.  Bodices are fitted with muslin lining and hook & eye up the back. Sleeve choices include a small or large puff sleeve, a short or long butterfly sleeve or a small cap sleeve. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Regular Price $150
Fancier Price $200

Choose your style Regular $150.00 USD Fancy $200.00 USD Sleeve Option Small Puff Large Puff Short Butterfly Long Butterfly Small Cap Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Dinner or Late Afternoon Formal Gown

Fashioned of better fabrics and more elaborate trim, these are suitable for a late afternoon as well as dinner when worn without chemisette or undesleeves. Cost is determined according to fabric trim and design. Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $225

Sleeve Style Pagoda $225.00 USD Bell $225.00 USD Bishop $225.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Fan Front Bodice and Skirt

Measurements (in corset if wearing) required are Waist(W), Bust(B), Backwaist(BW), and Skirt Length(SL). Indicate all measurements in inches.
Price $150

Sleeve Style Pagoda $150.00 USD Bell $150.00 USD Bishop $150.00 USD Corset / Hoop Options Corset Only Hoop Only Corset and Hoop No Corset or Hoop Enter Measurements Indicate color or print

Ladies Waist Blouses

With a little trim, these can be done in white or ecru muslin, or most any color in cotton  fabric. Specify modern size 10-24.
Fancy Price $60
Plain Garibaldi Price $40

Fancy $60.00 USD Plain $40.00 USD Indicate desired color Modern Dress Size

Ladies Wrapper / Period Bathrobe

We offer the 1853 Dressing Gown, made of flannel or a medium weight tapestry like fabric. Wrapper can be left plain or trimmed slightly, or trimmed ornately for an adjusted price.
Price $100

Indicate desired color Indicate fabric

Mantle

 Either left plain or trimmed with braid, our pelerines can be made of cotton, velveteen, or flannel and are lined.
Price $200

Indicate desired color Indicate fabric and trim

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Capes and Cloaks

All cloaks are lined with cotton, flannel or a quilted lining, and fasten with buttons, frogs or a hand-crochet closure. Fabric choices include flannel, tapestry, brocade, velveteen, or wool, all subject to what’s in stock.

Valencian Cape

Pictured in April 1862 Godey's, this very simple cloak can be lengthened or shortened, and made in plain cloth or dressier velvet with lots of trim.
Price $100

Indicate desired Color/Trims

Pardessus Danois

From the August 1863 Peterson's Magazine, this is a very loose coat flowing out from the shoulders, large enough to go over a hoop.
Price $200

Indicate desired Color/Trims

Autumn Pardessus

Originally found in September 1862 Harper's Monthly. Three large pleats from the back neck creat more fullness at the waist and below. One large pleat on each side of the front.
Price $200

Indicate desired Color/Trims

Naim Cape

Featured in February 1863 Peterson's Magazine. The Naim has two large box pleats at the waist to add fullness in the back, with the front hanging straight down.
Price $200

Indicate desired Color/Trims

1863 Peterson's Cloak

Pictured in November 1863 Peterson's Magazine. This is a very, very full cloak with large flounces falling from a V shaped yoke. The original was trimmed with a wide fall of lace.
Price $200

Indicate desired Color/Trims

Velvet Cloak

Featured in the March 1857 Peterson's Magaine. The original was velvet with silk braid trim along the seams. This can be made in simple wool and no trim. It has nice shape and fullness.
Price $200

Indicate desired Color/Trims

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