I have lots of yards of French manufactured black silk embroidered ecru silk organza to work as an overlay for the gown. It got it for such a good price, practically stole it.
Most of the tone on tone white/ivory/off-white type fabrics I was finding were cheaply made or ridiculously expensive. And it’s just as well. Though I love the all white look of Edwardian period, I must say that it’s not so much fun. Flat white is hard to appreciate and color photo, and that’s the reason why so many brides opt for champagne or off white detail. The detail can disappear in a white blur.
So far, I still plan on using the cutwork for the hem. The antique swag lace will border the bottom of the overlay, and possibly be used in other places as well. I have so much of it, and it’s not the type to gather. I will need to be creative so as to appreciate and employ the significant quantity.
For the base, I think I will hunt down a lighter colored ivory silk.
… now it’s time to go get some sandpaper and strip some Eastlake drawer hardware. I love old houses. 
