Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Lovinia White
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1815
MediumHand-stitched silk and linen, with silk-covered wooden buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across back, between armscyes): 58 x 9in. (147.3 x 22.9cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1959.25.4
DescriptionChangeable black/red silk apron-front day dress. The bodice is styled with a vandyked collar, edged with a narrow self ruffle. The waistline is high, measuring 4 1/2 inches at the side, under the armscye. The bodice closes at center front with six 1/4-inch diameter self-covered buttons. The bottom edge of the bodice front is controlled by a drawstring. The sleeves are long; they are gathered into the armscye at the back of the shoulder. A self-fabric 5/8-inch-wide strap ties around the wrist, with the sleeve extending 3 1/4 inches below it. The bodice is lined with remnants of an old linen sheet; the cross-stitched initials are still seen on either side of the center front opening. The lining of the front of the bodice is separate, and pins over the bosom, below the fashion fabric.
The skirt is open for five inches over each hip. (This opening is slashed into the fabric and finished with a facing, rather than being an opening in the side seam.) The top of the front skirt panel is not attached to the bodice; it is controlled with a drawstring which would tie around the waistline (the "apron front"). The back of the skirt is gathered onto the bottom edge of the bodice. There is a casing stitched here, for the drawstring of the apron front to be threaded through. The skirt is gored on the sides. The front panel of the skirt is pieced at the bottom. The right back skirt panel is also pieced. There is a 5/8-inch wide tuck taken around the skirt near the hem.
The skirt is open for five inches over each hip. (This opening is slashed into the fabric and finished with a facing, rather than being an opening in the side seam.) The top of the front skirt panel is not attached to the bodice; it is controlled with a drawstring which would tie around the waistline (the "apron front"). The back of the skirt is gathered onto the bottom edge of the bodice. There is a casing stitched here, for the drawstring of the apron front to be threaded through. The skirt is gored on the sides. The front panel of the skirt is pieced at the bottom. The right back skirt panel is also pieced. There is a 5/8-inch wide tuck taken around the skirt near the hem.
Status
Not on view
5 June 1862
Object/Object
