Infant's Shirt
Clothing MakerPossibly made by
Mrs. Sallie H. Brainard
(1787 - 1873)
Dateabout 1839
MediumHand-stitched linen, with linen bobbin lace and cotton appliqués
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width across top): 8 1/2 x 13in. (21.6 x 33cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Alice Welles
Object number1933.14.5
DescriptionInfant's shirt of very fine, white linen. It is cut as a long rectangle, with the two ends folded to the center back. The sleeves are made by slashing the fabric for four inches on the folded edge, and in a curve, down from the top edge. The two tabs thus created are seamed together to form a shoulder strap. A strip of fabric, about one-inch-wide, cut with a double curve, is stitched around the armhole, so that the ends of the curve meet at the top of the shoulder. The shoulder strap folds back over the top of the arm. All of these edges are finished with one-inch-wide bobbin lace. The flaps created at front and back from cutting the fabric for the shoulder straps are rounded and fold down to prevent the belly band from chafing the baby. These flaps are also edged with the lace. Small whitework appliqués resembling flower heads are stitched at intervals along the stitching line between the linen and lace. All stitching is very fine.
Status
Not on view
