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Infant's Cap

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Lydia Howard Huntley Sigourney (American, 1791 - 1865)

Clothing MakerMade by Unknown

Date1791

MediumHand-stitched linen

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (cap height x width): 5 1/2 x 5 1/2in. (14 x 14cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of the Hartford Public Library

Object number1985.126.2

DescriptionInfant's cap of cream-colored linen. The cap is cut in a rectangle and folded in half, with the short edges stitched together for two inches of the 4 1/2-inch width. The face edge is trimmed with a very fine, sheer linen whipped ruffle, 5/8 inch wide. This ruffled edge is rounded at the bottom corners and sloped back to meet the stitching of the bottom edge. The other edge of the cap is finished by turning the fabric over once and stitching a drawstring casing (the drawstring is now missing). When pulled tight, this edge comes together in a circle to form the crown. This action would also pull the lower front corners of the cap diagonally up and back, creating a bias effect and a snug fit so that ties would not be needed to keep the cap on. Letting the drawstring out flattens the cap, thus making washing much easier.

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