Infant's Shirt
Clothing MakerMade by
Julia Hebard
(American, 1827-1907)
Date1854
MediumHand-stitched cotton and bobbin lace
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 9 x 14in. (22.9 x 35.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Agnes T. Allen
Object number1962.30.6
DescriptionInfant's shirt of fine white cotton. The shirt is made of a long rectangle of fabric, with the narrow ends folded to the center back to create the opening. These edges are selvage, so the fabric is 24 3/4 inches wide. The fold on each side is slit for about 3 1/4 inches to set in the sleeve, which consists of a very fine cotton ruffle edged with bobbin lace, with a gusset at the bottom. The shoulder seams are faggoted. The top edge of the fabric is slit at an angle, creating an approximately triangular-shaped shoulder strap. This inside edge of the shoulder strap is edged with lace; the point folds back towards the outside of the arm. The flaps across the front and back that are created by the slanted cuts are narrow-hemmed and are meant to fold down over the belly band.
NotesHistorical Note: Julia Hebard Goldthwaite (b. 1827) made this shirt for her children, and they were baptised in it. Julia Hebard Goldthwaite had seven children, four of whom died before they were two, and one of whom died on her thirteenth birthday.Status
Not on view
