1851 Petal Ballgown Skirt

This Petal Ballgown Skirt design was first seen in 1847, and again later in 1851, both times as a ball gown. The skirt base can be made of lining fabric to economize (may be seen slightly), or of dress fabric. The petals can be made of a shear fabric if desired. Although designed to fit as a pre-hoop skirt, the extra wide lower flounce gives enough fullness at the hem (a total of 225"), to fit over any size hoop. The most common style of trimming shown is for the Petals to be trimmed with fabric ruching or lace ruffles. The lower flounce was trimmed with three rows of fabric ruching, or with lace ruffles.