Prairie Dress Pattern 201

Misses Small, Medium, Large.
Worn by the stalwart women who conquered the 19th century American prairie wore full yet practical housedresses of washable cotton.  This flowing dress was traditionally worn with a practical apron.  Ours falls to the ankles in voluminous gathers from a gracefully rounded yoke.  It has long sleeves gathered at the shoulders and into buttoned cuffs.  The ruffled collar is set into a collar band, and the dress has pockets set into both side seams.  The deep front opening typical of this era closes with buttons in the yoke; hooks and eyes can be used to fasten the long opening.
The flounced apron has two keyhole pockets ad a waistband that buttons in the back.  Instructions for decorative feather stitch are included inside pattern.  For contemporary wear, this dress is charming in the authentic version worn with or without the apron, mid-calf (cut to street length) or ankle length, the dress is feminine and comfortable. also, if you prefer, the front opening can be shortened and the neck can be finished with the collar band only.  Instructions for vintage embroidered finishing touches are included.
Era: Victorian, mid to late 1800s
Suggested fabrics: For the Dress, choose soft fabrics such as calico, gingham, muslin, lightweight cotton, rayon, or wool challis. For the Apron, choose light or medium-weight cotton such as gingham, broadcloth, or muslin.
Yardage chart (.pdf)