Infant's Shirt
Clothing MakerPossibly made by
Mrs. Sallie H. Brainard
(1787 - 1873)
Dateabout 1839
MediumHand-stitched linen, with handmade linen bobbin lace and silk ribbon
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width across top): 8 x 17in. (20.3 x 43.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Alice Welles
Object number1933.14.6
DescriptionInfant's shirt of very fine, white linen. It is cut as a long rectangle, with the two ends folded towards the center back. The sleeves are made by slashing the fabric for 3 1/4 inches on the folded edge, and down from the top edge, 1 1/4 inch in from the folded edge. The two tabs thus created are seamed together to form a shoulder strap. A triangular gusset is stitched at the bottom of the slit made for the armhole.
Triangles of fabric are stitched to each side of the shoulder strap. Loops of narrow tape at the apex of each triangle tie together with silk ribbon. The flaps created at front and back from slitting the fabric for the shoulder straps fold down to prevent the belly band from chafing the baby. The flaps and the sleeves are edged with narrow bobbin lace. All seaming and hemming is very fine.
Triangles of fabric are stitched to each side of the shoulder strap. Loops of narrow tape at the apex of each triangle tie together with silk ribbon. The flaps created at front and back from slitting the fabric for the shoulder straps fold down to prevent the belly band from chafing the baby. The flaps and the sleeves are edged with narrow bobbin lace. All seaming and hemming is very fine.
Status
Not on view
