Returning Heroes

Last October, I finished my first go at a victorian ballgown with excellent results and about 4 or 5 yards remaining of bubblegum pink silk taffeta. I wore this gown to The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers' holiday ball in December and subsequently attended their Regency Ball in February where I was convinced to attend their Civil War era, only costume required event in March. Initially I had held off on attending as my first gown is much more 1840s, with the slim sleeves and long pointed bodice, but I was roped in to attending by several of the lovely ladies who run the group.

About 100 years prior...

Another event that I'll be attending at Costume College is the Friday night Social, themed to the 1940's. Initially I did have plans to make a 1940's skirt, blouse, and bolero-esque jacket, but my itch to make an 1840's fan front gown was too strong, especially after seeing American Duchess's recent delve into the 1830's and after making a corded petticoat (and all the other appropriate undergarments) last fall.

Over a month ago, I purchased Laughing Moon's 1840s-1952 Round Dress pattern and took it to work where I cut it out (we have massive tables at work that are excellent for cutting out large sewing related things), put it in a ziplock bag, and took it home. Or so I thought. Fast forward to a week or two ago when I'm organizing my pattern stash and discover I have the pieces for the larger sizes of the pattern but not the smaller ones. I spent a good few days scouring my house, work, and car until I gave up and ordered a different pattern for the same style of dress in the case the smaller sizes do eventually show up. Enter Truly Victorian's 1845 German day dress pattern.

I currently own a few of the Truly Victorian patterns and have not been disappointed with my previous results.

With my pattern situation finally settled, I am still stuck on my fabric options. Back in 2012ish, after I got back from Old Sturbridge Village, I went on an 1830's kick and purchased 8 yards of a navy blue floral reproduction cotton (dating to the 1800's, I haven't been able to nail down an approximate date for this pattern) with the idea that I'd have enough yardage to make a day dress that would cover both the massive sleeves and voluminous skirt. However, present day me recently went to the fabric store and purchased the remainder of a bolt (6.5 yards) of a pink striped reproduction cotton, partly because it was $1 off a yard (it wasn't), and partly because the pattern is distinctly 1830's. So now I'm torn as to which fabric is the right choice for each gown. I have been leaning towards holding off on the pink print mostly because I already own one pink gown and I'd like to bring more variation to Costume College.

Which fabric do you think would work best for an 1840's gown?