Tucker Kits in the Shop!

Because no 1860s ballgown is complete without a tucker!  Buying your own cotton netting just for a little frill around the neckline of a gown can be annoying--for starters, cotton net usually sells for about $35/yard, and no way do you need that much just for one neckline.  It's hard to find fine fabrics of that sort at chain-type fabric stores, and many online retailers only sell in full yard increments.  And again--you don't usually need a whole yard for a tucker!  What's a girl to do?

With that in mind, I'm trying something out.  I'm offering simple tucker kits in my shop, which include half a yard of cotton net and 2 yards of 2mm silk ribbon for a drawstring (which is optional, but very cute!).  You can have any color you want, as long as it's black. ;)

Go here for Tucker Kits!

My listing (above) includes several pictures of reproductions using this same cotton net for a tucker, and here are some originals with pretty tucker variations to get your creative juices flowing.

From The Graceful Lady

Kent State (Thanks Andrew Schroeder, for the tip!)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Tuckers seem to be pretty ubiquitous, and would have served the same function as a collar or cuffs--they help protect the neckline of your dress, and give a finished look.  It'd be easy to baste one into an existing gown, or pick up a kit for your next project.  The sky's the limit!  Head on over to Etsy and take a look.