Explore our Collections
Historic Costume | Fine and Decorative Arts
Welcome to our Online Collections Database! Below you will find a searchable database showcasing images and information regarding tens of thousands of items in our online collection. Search using search terms, key words, object names, or names of historical figures to locate specific items, or, peruse at random to enjoy the breadth of collections available for view.
As we continue to digitize collections at GCV&M, more objects will populate this new virtual resource. Please continue to check back, and reach out with any questions!
Questions? Contact our Curatorial Department at (585) 294-8240 or email jjohnson@gcv.org. Interested in donating an object to the collections at GCV&M? Click here to learn more.
Chemise
Object/Artifact
Heavy handspun, handwoven (likely) linen, white; entirely handstitched with linen; square neckline, 'knee' length, elbow length sleeves. Neckline is the same front and back. Side 1 (front?) is cut of one width without any gore seams; Side 2 has left and right gores added to a width cut narrower so that one selvage remains. The gores extend up slightly beyond the arm seam. Each shoulder is made from a separate piece. The side seams and gore seams are butted even though they are not selvages. The stitching is splendid.Hypothetical procedure: She had one width- the front- from which she removed triangular gore pieces. A strip was cut from one side of the back so the back would be the right width once enlarged with the triangular gores. The rectangle removed thus was used for the shoulders, sleeves and gussets. Very little waste. After the sides and gores were stitched, the shoulders were added with attention to proper total length of chemise. Then the sleeve-gusset assembly was attached.
Chemise
Chemise - Image 2
Chemise - Image 3
Chemise - Image 4
Chemise - Image 5
Chemise - Image 6
Chemise - Image 7
Chemise - Image 8
PDF Viewer
Close ×Profile Viewer
Close ×G85.751
Bruce and Susan Greene Costume Collection
1800 - 1825
User Age: Adult Gender: Female
American
chemise
female
woman
handspun
handwoven
linen
hand stitched
gore
gusset