Dress
Original OwnerProbably originally owned by the
Mix family
(American)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1865
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched cotton, with brass hooks and eyes, and unidentified boning
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across bodice): 55 x 22in. (139.7 x 55.9cm)
Hem (circumference): 154in. (391.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1956.3.5
DescriptionWoman's work dress of tan, brown, light blue, and white cotton plaid. The bodice is styled with a high, round neckline and dropped shoulderline. The waist is slightly high, measuring six inches at the side, under the armscye seam. The plaid fabric is gathered by four rows of stitching at the bodice front and back above the waistline; the fullness is then released, and the seaming at the shoulderline is smooth. The sleeves are cut in the fashionable "coat" style, with seams along the outside and underside of the arm. The sleeve is gathered into a smooth cap which is 2 1/2 inches at its widest; the seam between the sleeve and the cap, and the armscye seam are piped. The sleeve seam along the outside of the arm is decorated with a narrow ruffle; this seam is also piped. The narrow ruffle edges the wrist opening, which is held closed with a brass hook and thread eye. The bodice is lined with natural-colored twill-woven cotton. The sleeve caps are also lined with this fabric. The bodice closes at center front with brass hooks and eyes on the lining; the plaid fabric has no closing mechanism. The bodice lining is fitted with two five-inch darts on either side of the front opening. The outer dart, the front edges, and the center back were all originally boned.
The skirt is cartridge-pleated to the bodice. There is an in-seam pocket on the proper left side. The hem is lined for 3 5/8 inches with a beige printed calico. The bottom of the skirt is finished with brown twill-woven wool tape.
The dress is constructed by a combination of machine and hand stitching. The long seams of the skirt are stitched by hand (perhaps to make it easier to take apart and reuse the fabric later, if desired), while the bodice seams are stitched with a machine chain stitch. The hem tape is also applied by machine.
The skirt is cartridge-pleated to the bodice. There is an in-seam pocket on the proper left side. The hem is lined for 3 5/8 inches with a beige printed calico. The bottom of the skirt is finished with brown twill-woven wool tape.
The dress is constructed by a combination of machine and hand stitching. The long seams of the skirt are stitched by hand (perhaps to make it easier to take apart and reuse the fabric later, if desired), while the bodice seams are stitched with a machine chain stitch. The hem tape is also applied by machine.
Status
Not on view
