Primary Resources:
Duke University - Online Archives for information on women of the Civil War
Original
garments - A collection of photos of surviving original Civil War era
clothing, ranging from evening wear to undergarments to footwear.
This is a good way to see what the clothing worn in those black and white
CDVs looked like in color.
Secondary Sources:
Books,
Articles and Dissertations on Clothing, 1840-1865 (Compiled by Vicki Betts)
How-to:
Recipe
for a corded petticoat - This site shows how to make a corded petticoat,
which is appropriate to wear instead of hoops, mainly if you do a working-class
or farming impression, or something along those lines. I haven't
personally tried out this method, but I'd encourage you to give it a try-
I may be able to help you out.
Good Pattern and Clothing
Links:
Past
Patterns - Best patterns in regard to research and sewing directions.
Homespun Patterns - These are pretty good, researched and documented patterns off originals with the Kentucky State Historical Society. This is a link to a sutler who sells these patterns.
Period Impressions - not a link to the company website, but to a sutler who sells PI patterns. (not great patterns, but for the "look" of the period I recommend the basic work dress or 1859 style dress. Also good is the men's P-752 civilian shirt).
Originals By Kay - custom made, comfortable corsets and other lady's items
Heritage
Reproductions - makers of excellent cage hoops.
General Information on women's dress:
Glenna
Jo & Bill's Presentations and Works-In-Progress - This site has
lots of good detailed information on women's dress, so it's especially
useful if you do your own sewing, but also helps you to identify authentic
and quality garment construction when you buy your clothing.
Links
to good sites related to military/civilian re-enacting:
49 N.J. Reg't Vol's Civil War Society - A site covering New Jersey's role in the Civil War; also has civilian pages with biographies of famous civilians during the War, and many helpful civilian links.
North Eastern Sewing Society - A beautiful site which includes articles on women's roles in re-enacting, and also pictures of original and reproduction garments from the 1860s.