Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Alice Loveland Peirce
(American, born 1863)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1880
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched cotton, metal hooks
DimensionsBodice (center front length x width across shoulders): 17 1/4 x 16 1/2in. (43.8 x 41.9cm)
Component (center front of overskirt length): 23 3/4in. (60.3cm)
Component (center back of overskirt length): 27in. (68.6cm)
Hem (circumference): 84in. (213.4cm)
Skirt (length): 36in. (91.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Annetta Eddy Brigham.
Object number2001.49.18a-c
DescriptionWoman's three-piece day dress of woven plaid cotton, in white, dark blue, light blue, tan, and peach.
Bodice (.a): This long-sleeved bodice has white cotton rickrack manipulated into a floral-like lace work (1 1/4 inches wide) edging the wrist openings of the sleeves and edge of the collar. The collar is three inches at its widest point. The sleeves are narrow. The bodice closes at center front with metal hooks and thread eyes. A 1 1/4-inch box pleat is hand-stitched on the front left and right sides. The pleats begin at the shoulder seams and continue for about 14 1/2 inches. The hooks and eyes of the opening are covered with a wide pleat. Three 2 1/4-inch wide box pleats are stitched down the back of the bodice, with the fullness released 5 5/8 inches from the bodice hem. The bodice is unlined.
Skirt (.b): The skirt has a flat front and heavily gathered back. The waistband is 1 1/4 inches wide and 26 inches long. Although there are currently no closure mechanisms, there is an opening at the center back of the skirt that measures 10 1/2 inches. The center front is shaped with two seven-inch darts, placed approximately three inches in from the side seam. There is an on-seam pocket on the right side. Two eight-inch-wide flounces of self-fabric have been placed, one above the other, around the bottom of the skirt.
Overskirt (.c): The overskirt is also flat across the front, being shaped with darts on each side. The front and back panels of the overskirt are pulled up at the side seams with a series of tucks, creating a draped effect. The hem line of this overskirt is decorated with rickrack lace like that used on the bodice. On the interior of the overskirt, the back is lifted and bustled with the aid of four 1/2-inch-wide white twill-woven cotton tapes.
Bodice (.a): This long-sleeved bodice has white cotton rickrack manipulated into a floral-like lace work (1 1/4 inches wide) edging the wrist openings of the sleeves and edge of the collar. The collar is three inches at its widest point. The sleeves are narrow. The bodice closes at center front with metal hooks and thread eyes. A 1 1/4-inch box pleat is hand-stitched on the front left and right sides. The pleats begin at the shoulder seams and continue for about 14 1/2 inches. The hooks and eyes of the opening are covered with a wide pleat. Three 2 1/4-inch wide box pleats are stitched down the back of the bodice, with the fullness released 5 5/8 inches from the bodice hem. The bodice is unlined.
Skirt (.b): The skirt has a flat front and heavily gathered back. The waistband is 1 1/4 inches wide and 26 inches long. Although there are currently no closure mechanisms, there is an opening at the center back of the skirt that measures 10 1/2 inches. The center front is shaped with two seven-inch darts, placed approximately three inches in from the side seam. There is an on-seam pocket on the right side. Two eight-inch-wide flounces of self-fabric have been placed, one above the other, around the bottom of the skirt.
Overskirt (.c): The overskirt is also flat across the front, being shaped with darts on each side. The front and back panels of the overskirt are pulled up at the side seams with a series of tucks, creating a draped effect. The hem line of this overskirt is decorated with rickrack lace like that used on the bodice. On the interior of the overskirt, the back is lifted and bustled with the aid of four 1/2-inch-wide white twill-woven cotton tapes.
Status
Not on view
5 June 1862
