Clothing - CREAM EMBROIDERED SILK AND LACE GIRLS DRESS, Late 1800's

Physical description

Beautiful soft cream silk dress, with a random silk embroidered three petal flower over the fabric. Round neckline with overlaid square yoke of embroidered lace on a net background. Two 7cm wide bands of the lace are gathered over the shoulder armhole edge. These frills, and the scalloped edges of the front and back lace yoke are trimmed with 4 cm long decorative silk tassels.(one missing). Long sleeves, tapered in at the wrist are trimmed at the wrist with a 4.5cm wide band of lace, part of which is threadedwith two rows ofsoft pink silk ribbon insertion. Soft pink silk, folded into three 2.5cm tucks-overall width 6cm trim the high waistline, with a 7cm diameter rosette at the left front, and a bow(?), and tails, trimming the back waistline. This is severely damaged. Four metal hook and loops fasten the back lace collar, and nine metal hooks and eyes fasten the bodice. Bodice and sleeves are fully lined. Bodice is boned with thirteen 12-4 cm long ''bones''. Skirt is in two tiers; Top is 38cm deep, and made from the plain embroidered silk. A 5cm deep band of lace, with scalloped edges then joins the 36 cm deep ;lower panel of beautifully embroidery and pulled threadwork. Hem is faced, and finished or hemmed with french knots. Dress , which is hand stitched is fully lined with cotton. The lower 36 cm deep tier of the underskirt is trimmed with three .5cm tucks, and two 8cm bands of cutwork lace in a floral and geometric pattern. An oval shaped pocket is sewn into the front of the ''petticoat'' lining. This pocket contained some plant material, included in attached bag.

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