Description:
Woman's white cotton dimity day or work shirt or sacque, possibly maternity. The shirt features a high neckline, with a collar gathered along a 3/4" wide band. The shirt opens CF and there is no evidence of closures. Each side of the opening is straight, and hemmed 1/4" with matching thread in an overcast or whip stitch. The body of the shirt is gathered around the collar band at the front and back. At each side of the band a gusset is inserted for shaping. Shoulder seams are on the shoulder line. There is a side seam on each side of bodice, taking in the fabric at a slight angle. There is no CB seam to the shirt. The sleeves are gathered at the top into the armscyes. Each sleeve is long and straight, ending in a plain cuff. Each sleeve is constructed with an underarm sleeve seam, plus a gusset on each side at underarm. The shirt hangs straight at the bottom edge, all around. There is evidence that a closure existed on the proper left side of band at collar. Very fine stitching. especially at the gathered collar and shirt attachments to band. Woman’s maternity bodice or sacque made from ribbed white cotton (dimity). The unlined bodice, which is entirely hand stitched, features a high, gathered collar, long, loose sleeves, and a surplus (front wrapping) center front opening with no closures. The bodice terminates in a straight hem that ends at the hips. 1810-1830.
Triangular gusset on either side of the collar band that helps shape the garment to the body at the collar. The shoulder “seams” are actually stitched down darts that help this largely unfitted garment to the wearer (reorients the fabric drape a bit).
There is one side seam on either side of the garment; no CB seam. The body of the garment is gathered into the neckband all around for added fullness.
Each sleeve head is slightly gathered into the armscyes. A long, narrow, triangular-shaped gusset on either inside sleeve seam at top helps to shape the garment in this area.
General staining (brown rust, oxidation) of the garment, especially seen on the proper right bodice front. Other, isolated areas on the garment back.
OL, CF: 23”
OL, CB: 23 ½”
Height of gathered, standing collar: 2”
Hem circumference: 62”
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2000.46.1 |
