I just recently got this outfit done for a customer who's daughter is studying early American History (Sierra - pictured above).  It is a standard size 8 from my pattern, but with additional material added into the hem of both the petticoat and gown to allow for longer wear as she grows.  With this dress I also included a stomacher and decorated straw hat (items which do not come standard with my regular outfits).  The pictures show how the pocket is worn over the chemise, with the slit positioned on one hip to allow for access to the pocket once the petticoat is put on.  There are corresponding slits on each side of the petticoat which allow for the pocket to be worn on either the right or left side, whichever is preferred.  Since women/girls did not carry purses at this time in history, the pocket allowed a lady to stash small items away on her person (money, etc).  Today they serve as a great way to hide modern items like chapstick and cell phones away from the public eye.  The petticoat is then tied first in the front, and then in the back using the ribbon.  As the wearer grows, the stomacher functions as a way to cover the chemise when the gown begins to gap in the front, but does not need to be worn prior to this.  It is traditionally pinned directly to the corset using straight pins, but as this one will not be worn over a corset, it can be pinned to the lining of the gown (with safety pins).  The gown is then laced over the chemise, petticoat, and stomacher (if present) and the ties are gathered up through the loops under the gown's skirt.  There is not an exact method to tying up the loops, but grosgrain ribbon is the best to use as it does not slip like regular satin ribbon.  The apron is then tied around the waist and pinned directly to the front of the gown using straight pins and served as a way to protect the gown from dirt when working.  There are no pictures of the cap included, but is is a plain white cotton cap that is adjustable along the bottom back and was worn in order to keep the hair clean.  The straw hat can be worn alone over over the cotton cap.