Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1775-1785
MediumHand-stitched cotton and linen, with a later addition of synthetic fiber tape
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width between shoulders): 56 1/8 x 15 1/2in. (142.6 x 39.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of the Lyman Allyn Museum, New London
Object number1959.54.4
DescriptionWoman's day dress of hand-block-printed cotton, with a madder red and pencil blue viney floral design on a very dark brown background. The dress has a low, round neckline in front and a slightly squared neckline in back. The straight sleeves are elbow-length and end in a straight, 2 3/8-inch-wide, self-fabric cuff. Pleated white cotton ruffles, embroidered with a bow design, were added to the sleeve openings, probably in the early twentieth century. The bodice back is stitched "en ferreau", or with multiple, stitched down pleats, with the center back being cut continuously with the skirt. The bodice opens at center front and would have fastened with pins. The front panel of the skirt is open along the side seams for about ten inches; the top edge is gathered on a drawstring to tie around the waist under the bodice back. The back of the skirt is knife-pleated to the bodice. The bodice is lined with blue and cream-colored woven check linen. The lining is patched with blue and white linen gingham at the proper left inside edge. Both edges of the bodice opening have been pieced out with strips of the dress fabric to make the bodice wider, perhaps when the original wearer gained weight.
Status
Not on view
