Lizzie, 'a long green dresssing' suggests to me a bandage coming loose from a festering sore.

Scarlett O'Hara made the dress to try to trick money out of Rhett Butler. She was ashamed of being honest about the reality of her circumstances. A bit like you with the Folk Week methinks, a make do and mend festival to replace a real one.

Scarletts ploy failed as Rhett seen right through her tricks, she then went off and stole her sisters fiance. I can see why you admire her, she was given to hissy fits too and only ever seen things from her own point of view.