True to my goals for this year, I did not buy more material or start a new dress and I added to a dress I already have.
This plain skirt belongs to my 1873 Polonaise
1873 Polonaise
I had a lot of the green left over so I decided to add some trim to the skirt. I had considered pleats but there was not enough for that. I went for a Vandyke trim, as that was a skill I was wanting to try.
This is what I added to the front of the skirt.
Much better photo!
The whole skirt. I was too lazy to undress and dress Trudy the mannequin.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the whole thing looks. I haven’t any firm plans for costume events this year but this one might not get out until next December.
What the item is: Trim
The Challenge: Stash busting
Fabric: something synthetic
Stashed for?: Left overs from the skirt which I decided was too plain.
Pattern: A Vandyke fold that I found on the internet that I believe was common in the Victorian era.
Year: The skirt is 1873
Notions: thread
How historically accurate is it? The fabric is not. The fold pattern in the trim is good. Having tons of trim on a skirt is authentic for a wealthy woman’s visiting dress or walking dress (which is the look I was going for). I machine sewed the tube for strip (this is plausible in the 1870’s), but hand sewed the tacks after ironing and hand sewed it on the skirt. So I’d give it about 90%
Hours to complete: The skirt was completed in August of 2013. The trim is new and took about 15 hours to make and attach.
First worn: Without the trim, The fall of 2013
But I have not worn it as it is now.
Total cost: I paid about $50 for all the fabric for the outfit and the new trim was part of that purchase.
Wanda B Victorian 
Your new trim looks awesome. All those little points!
Thanks! There was a ton of work but worth it!