1860s dress plans

For my 19th birthday last year, I was able to pick out some fabric from Abraham's Lady in Gettysburg, PA for an American Civil War dress. It is very pretty and would you believe it - a shade of pink! I find myself lately picking out more and more pink things. I wonder why?

Here is a picture of the fabric.

I also have all of the supplies for my 1860s corset. I just need to have the pattern draped on me with duck tape.  I know it sounds weird, but it should work! Draping my own pattern I think is the best way for me. As I would have to do many changes to a commercial pattern.

Helping me through this process is Mrs. Clark "Practical Prinkery" book. http://www.elizabethstewartclark.com/PP/index.htm (Scroll all the way down)

I haven't decided on my dress style yet, though I should. Any ideas anyone? Oh, and I'm hand sewing my chemise right now.

~Ashley