  New Gowns are newly made, styled after 1860s fashions, though not strictly period correct unless labeled as such.  This allows me to offer beautiful gowns at varied prices.  Most gowns will have some period-correct features, with details provided in the description.  Over years of experience with many customers, I have found myself most often making new, period-style gowns with some period-correct features and other compromises – in fabric composition, machine stitching, and pattern alterations.  For those who do not require a strictly period-correct gown, this produces a beautiful dress or ensemble suitable for many historically themed events. I stock period correct silks and cottons, because these fabrics were typically used during the Civil War, but I also carry a beautiful assortment of polyester taffetas.  Synthetic polymers were developed in 1850 and synthetic dyes in 1856; the shades for polyester fabrics tend to be brighter, result in a stunning gown, and the drape of the fabric very similar to silk. The price is also considerably less than the cost of the silk, allowing me to offer affordably priced gowns. I have used a variety of back closures on my gowns.  I often use machine made buttonholes, which are long enough and strong enough to accommodate a half-inch wide, yard-long fabric tie made from the same fabric as the dress.  When it is laced up the back of the bodice the effect is quite magical.