robinsnest | Another question for the 18th century peeps

Thinking about trying to make a new gown to wear to Peter Wentz Farmstead for their candlelight tour on Dec 3rd...As I'm unemployed AND it's Christmastime I really cannot justify a fabric purchase so I'm trying to scrounge from the stash...options for wool are reeeeeeeally limited. What's the least amount you've ever used to make a round gown? I know I know a jacket would be much smarter but after the disaster of the last one I kinda want to do something different. and really how much more work is a gown vs a jacket, all the time's in the top anyway!

Thinking about making something like this, I like the drop front. Although I'd probably do knife pleats and cut the back as one with the skirt instead of having a waist seam.