Digital Collections

Chemise

Object/Artifact

All linen, mostly hand stitched. The top-stitching, on the neck band, placket, and reinforced section at armscye are machine stitched with very tiny stitches. The stitching on the neck band is chain stitched (to the inside). All these have enough imperfection to suggest hand work, like the diagonal set of the underside of the stitches on the placket where most all but sink into the fabric, out of sight. But the scale is miniscule and mind-boggling, and perfectly controlled, even for a machine. Puffed sleeves; finely frilled lawn neck and sleeve edges with tiny tatting trim. Gussets and gores and usual hand techniques and quality; double buttonholes for studs (?). Initials inked inside: “SDS”"

G88.217

Bruce and Susan Greene Costume Collection

1850

User Age: Adult Gender: Female

American

chemise

female

woman

linen

hand stitched

machine stitched

chain stitched

tatting

SDS

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