There are so many opportunities to dress Hitty. One of the most exciting sewing projects is to make a fine Victorian wardrobe for Hitty similar to what Miss. Millie Pinch might have made using Hitty as a sewing mannequin. I'm hoping to complete this costuming project. Of course a must for the wardrobe is the one that every one wants - the illustrated outfit where Hitty falls at the feet of Charles Dickens!

Charles Dickens travelled to the US several times: one was in 1843 after he finished writing "Barnaby Rudge". Jill Sanders states that he came to the US again in 1867-8. He was very Victorian but Hitty should be dressed in late Victorian style for a Miss Pinch wardrobe. Jill is right, the later date is more appropriate.

"I was reading your info on Miss Pinch's wardrobe. I looked up Charles Dickens and found he also came to America in 1867-8, which I feel is the better date. Hitty was with Clarissa during the Civil war, and since the book is chronological, 1823 is too early for her to be dressed by Miss Pinch. Just a thought."
Jill - 4/21/00

In the book Miss Pinch wanted to show off that she was good enough to sew for really fine ladies - not just children. So I think someone could easily justify making a period Hitty wardrobe for a young girl or for a woman. We will need to create a perfect Victorian lady's or young girl's wardrobe as fine as Miss. Millie Pinch would have done.

I think most people interested in period costuming could have fun with this Hitty project.

Is anyone else planning to create Miss. Millie Pinch's Hitty wardrobe?

What items of clothing would you expect to find in Hitty's wardrobe made by Miss Millie Pinch?