March 1865 started her life as a Madame Alexander “Dots” Alex doll. I wanted her to be as accurate as possible, so I removed some factory paint, namely from her toenails and fingernails. I really love Alex’s face, so I didn’t want to do away with the entire thing. I very carefully removed her red lipcolor and replaced it with something more natural and re-painted her eyes in a dark green. I’m not sure why, but the dress just screamed green eyes at me.
The original Godey’s illustration explains that the new style is a “scarlet petticoat with black velvet bands; dress of silver-gray poplin trimmed with black guipure lace, narrow black velvet and jet buttons; scarlet belt, collar, cuffs and epaulettes all trimmed with black velvet.” I took a few liberties, namely, removing velvet from the equation because I didn’t feel like it would drape correctly if I used bias bands of plush velvet on such a tiny piece. Lacey passementerie was used instead. The best dresses require the best foundations, so the doll has a pair of cotton voile split drawers and voile chemise trimmed in white satin ribbon, and an underbust corset in white cotton with antiqued silver grommets at the back.
The petticoat is 100% silk, a scarlet taffeta, with a pleated ruffle and very long train. Over that is a gray poplin trained skirt that opens at the back with “jet buttons.” The bodice is self-lined, with black trim along the drop-shoulders and the same “jet button” closure. The silk sash was meticulously pleated and closes at the front with hooks hidden behind more “buttons.”The collar is silk, lined in cotton, with black trim edging and a bow at the front.
The snood was crocheted in 4 strands of red silk embroidery floss and embellished with a grosgrain ribbon bow and sprays of white and red fabric flowers. “Jet” earrings and pendant made to match the ensemble, as well as a little silk reticule, trimmed in black, with a 1/4 inch silk tassel and black glass bead.
The reticule does not open, but the rest of the outfit is completely functional, with ribbon or snap closures.
I’ll be making a train-less version in a women’s size 16 now that I’ve tried it out in miniature. The gown was draped using slopers, and thus is completely one-of-a-kind, as is the enhanced doll.
