The school I went to K-8 has two "old fashioned" school days, one in 2nd grade and the other in 4th, and one of them is specifically California Gold Rush. When I went there, my grandmother made me the most perfect (and somewhat accurate) dress which I wore for both days. I have now continued the tradition! My friend's mother asked me to make a dress for her 8 year old daughter to wear. I chose 1849 for the year because of the Gold Rush, and graded down a pattern (oh, that was a lot of work!). The set is a dress, tucked petticoat, and drawers. I directed my friend's mother as to where to get the bonnet and what sort of shoes to buy (she's going to put ribbon on them for the criss-cross ties popular during that time). My "client" and I went to my favorite little fabric store, and I selected some prints in her choice of color spectrum. I was really pushing for a perfectly period teal (which I ended up getting afterwards for myself!) but she chose the current fabric. The print isn't exactly period, but I think it still looks nice! Since my friend has never sewn before, I thought I could use this opportunity to teach her! I instructed her in how to make the petticoat, which she did all by herself by hand! I think it's really sweet that she made something for her sister!

Some of the pictures were taken before I trimmed the bonnet. On the bonnet is a changeable silk ribbon and a feather butterfly, and inside is a triple ruffle of lace to emulate a cap.

... I can't wait to have my own daughter :]