Late 1870's Hoops

I want to make a c. 1881 dress based on one at the Met, and I decided that I should make some of those half hoops to hold the bottom of the skirt out. I used the same pattern from Fashions of the Gilded Age, Vol. 1 that Jen Thompson used a few years ago.

I mostly made it per the pattern except that I didn't put buckles for adjustment on it; I just sewed the top to the bottom.







When Jen made hers, she omitted the buttoned plackets in the front panels. I was curious to see what they'd do so I put them in. When unbuttoned, they let the middle hoops open up another couple of inches, but that's about it. I would definitely say that they're not particularly useful so if anyone else makes these, save yourself the trouble and don't bother with them.

Now I need to figure out whether I've got petticoats that fit over them nicely or if I need to make a petticoat or two before I get to start on the skirt. I'm thinking I'll spend this week on the 17th century waistcoat and then get back to sewing next week.