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Early 1840s Shift |
The ‘plain sewing’ of this shift is awe inspiring. Tiny, tiny stitches, beautiful gathering/gauging of the fine fabric at the shoulders, the narrowest of seams. The shift is identical pattern wise, front and back. A drawstring casing runs right along the top of the horizontal neckline. Running through this is a very narrow linen tape. There are no side gores, but they are as you would expect, under arm gores. A narrow hem of 7/8″ or 2.1cm.
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Details of 1841 Linen Chemise |
There is a name and date to the front, ‘Maria E. Brewster’, and under that, ‘April 20 – 1841″.
Measurements – Length from Shoulder to Hem – 44″ or 111cm. Circumference at Hem – 69′ or 175cm.
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Name/Date, Underarm Gores, Drawstring and Hem |
I somehow managed to purchase my first item of 18th century lace this week, a wonderful 1745-60 lappet. I am so pleased with this twice over as I have been wanting to learn about lace, but oh my what a difficult subject. So to have pieces like that in my hands to study is a real bonus.
Naomi x