Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1895
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched cotton, with machine-made cotton lace, and ferrous metal hooks and eyes
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across shoulders x hem circumference): 53 1/2 x 14 3/4 x 121in. (135.9 x 37.5 x 307.3cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Bradford Griswold
DescriptionWoman's dress, which is probably a folk dancing costume. The dress is constructed to simulate a jumper and blouse, with a white cotton yoke, collar and sleeves, and red cotton skirt and bodice. The yoke has a turn-down collar of machine-made lace imitating needlerun net. Under the collar, there is also lace simulating a scarf; it is laid in a V-shape on the back and continues over the shoulders and down the center front opening of the yoke. The leg-o'-mutton sleeves are very full at the shoulder and taper to the wrist, which ends with a cuff effect made of the lace. The bodice has a scooped neckline edged with a self-fabric ruffle; it is otherwise plain. The skirt is gathered very full all around the waistline. The bodice opens down the center front, while the skirt opens to the left of the center, so that a section of the skirt extends beyond the bodice opening. The opening fastens with locking hooks and eyes on the bodice, and the top of the skirt fastens with one regular hook and eye. The bodice is fitted with two 6 1/2-inch-long darts on either side of the front, while the back is constructed of six pattern pieces to achieve a close fit. All darts and seams are boned, except for the curved side back seams. The white cotton of the yoke continues throughout the rest of the bodice to form a lining. The dress appears to have been hastily constructed, further suggesting that it is a costume piece.
Object number1978.105.39
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