Outfiting my Niece

Mark Wadsworth · #1 12-05-2006, 03:40 PM

My niece is going to help in my tent at 3 events this winter down in FL. She is 12 years old and going on 30. I want to dress her out but I really don't know what all I need to get or tell her mom to get for her. I don't want to dump a whole lot of money on her since I don't if she will stick with it. What should I do for the girl.
My nephew is going to but I know how to dress him. He out grew his other uniform so I need to make him another one. That I can do.

Mark Wadsworth · #2 12-05-2006, 10:09 PM

I don't clue on the shoes. I know at her age the thread counting is not there just yet.

johan_steele · #3 12-06-2006, 08:16 AM

Let her be a child, a little girl. A dress should cost less than $100. Slight modifiications to a simple pattern available at Wal Mart w/ relatively accurate materials avail there can create an inexpensive & disposble outfit.

Either being around Laundresses or blending in w/ the refugees or civilians she might just learn a lot.

If you need ideas PM me and I'll put you in contact w/ my wife, she's a rather talented seamstress IMHO.

southern_belle1861 · #4 12-07-2006, 09:30 AM

Hey there.
I am around your nieces age. I would recommend a cotton work dress (opening in the back and to the proper length) and either a corded petticoat or a few plain white cotton petticoats. Since you don't know if she is going to be doing many of these, I would just get her a pair of plain black flats from Wal-Mart or something. I have a friend who did that and they looked like mary janes.
If you have any more questions, please PM. There are a lot of sources I can give you.

Mark Wadsworth · #5 12-07-2006, 08:22 PM

I made a list for her mom to buy
White cotton tights
Marry Jane's ( some kind of shoes not the penny candy).
or Black Boots
A white cotton sleeveless night gown to act as one of the layers of under penning. It will do for now
I found a burgundy and pink set on a white brocade fabric for the skirt and a matching zauove style jacket. They tried to explain to me what a brocade is and failed. When it comes to the women's stuff I draw a blank.The outfit will also have a white blouse, pantaloons and petticoat.
I know it will be winter down there but will this be enough to keep her
warm? Knowing my luck she may kidnap my great coat.

southern_belle1861 · #6 12-08-2006, 09:26 AM

You might wanna get her a plain wool shawl. That may help a little. You said you were going to FL? Its souldn't be *too* cold down there.

Mark Wadsworth · #7 12-10-2006, 05:04 PM

I have thought about a shawl but rulled it out as something that she should get only if she sticks with it. But it would be great.

southern_belle1861 · #8 12-12-2006, 12:07 PM

Ok, one of my friends saw the thread and told me it was probably better and easier for her to wear socks instead of tights.

Mark Wadsworth · #9 12-12-2006, 08:34 PM

I will keep that in mind

blue_zouave · #10 12-12-2006, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Wadsworth

I have thought about a shawl but rulled it out as something that she should get only if she sticks with it. But it would be great.

Mark, a shawl can be your smallest investment... check the remnant bin or the clearance table at the fabric store for 100% wool fabric. One and a quarter yards of 45" fabric is just right. The piece of fabric can be hemmed, or you can pull the threads to make a fringe.

Zou