Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by a member of the
Avery family
(American)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1898
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched cotton with brass hooks and eyes and various other metal hooks and eyes, and machine-made cotton lace
DimensionsBodice (center back length x width between shoulders): 20 1/2 x 12in. (52.1 x 30.5cm)
Skirt (center back length x hem circumference): 41 x 138in. (104.1 x 350.5cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of the estate of Amos Geer Avery
Object number1998.80.37a,b
DescriptionWoman's day dress consisting of a bodice and skirt, made of sheer, white cotton woven with a heavier thread to create a fine rib, and printed with scattered floral bouquets in gray, green, and yellow. The bodice has a high, round, neckline with a 1 3/4-inch-high standing band collar. The collar is cut on the bias and is edged with a narrow ruffle of machine-made bobbin-type lace. The front of the bodice is gathered and pouched slightly over the waistline, which is defined by a double row of stitching. Three rows of the narrow lace ruffles are stitched in opposing diagonal lines across the bodice, creating a shallow, triple V-effect. The back of the bodice is gathered at the center back waistline to the base of the collar. The narrow, two-piece sleeves are curved at the elbow and decorated at the top of the arm with a triple layer of self-fabric ruffles edged with lace. The wrist openings are also edged with lace. The center front opening fastens with hooks and eyes in the lining only. The lining is plain, white cotton. The bodice is fitted in the lining with two 7 3/4-inch-long darts on each side of the front, while the back is constructed of six pieces to achieve a close fit.
The skirt is stitched smoothly into the 1 1/4-inch-wide waistband, and gathered on either side of the center back opening. The bottom of the skirt is bordered with two tiers of self-fabric ruffles. The center back opening extends 11 1/2 inches and fastens with hooks and eyes and one metal snap. The skirt is unlined, except in the waistband.
The skirt is stitched smoothly into the 1 1/4-inch-wide waistband, and gathered on either side of the center back opening. The bottom of the skirt is bordered with two tiers of self-fabric ruffles. The center back opening extends 11 1/2 inches and fastens with hooks and eyes and one metal snap. The skirt is unlined, except in the waistband.
Status
Not on view
