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| This outfit consists of a cotton muslin dress, a 'Spencer' jacket, a bonnet and a petticoat. The clothes were made for a private client. The Empire line dress is based on a contemporary portrait. It is made from several layers of dark blue cotton muslin (a single layer in the sleeves). The dress is cut with most of the fullness of the skirt at the back, as can be seen in the lower picture. The bodice fastens with a series of handmade silk 'Dorset crosswheel' buttons, a ribbon drawstring at the neck, and a ribbon 'sash' at the waist. The sleeves are puffed above the elbow (although unfortunately this can't be seen in the pictures, as the dummy doesn't have arms!!). At the lower edge of the puff is a gathered double frill of self fabric. The frills can also be seen at the cuff, and hemline of the dress, and at the neck, where one of the frills is stitched to stand up over the edge of the neckline. |
| The 'Spencer' jacket is made in midnight blue cotton velvet, lined with grey cashmere, for warmth. The jacket has puffed sleeves, a falling collar, and is very high waisted. The body of the jacket is gathered into a pleated frill at the waistline. A double frill of velvet decorates the sleeve cuffs. The jacket fastens with decorative ribbon ties, and with hooks and eyes. The jacket is based on an extant garment. |
| The bonnet is of very dark blue taffeta, mounted on a padded wire frame. The slightly ruffled effect is achieved by cutting the outer fabric a little larger than the frame, and gathering it to fit. The bonnet is held in place during wear by a pair of taffeta ties, which are attached securely to the bonnet under decorative rosettes. |
| The final part of the outfit is a cotton calico petticoat. This is based on an extant garment, and is very plain and simple. Frills and ornamentation would show through the very fine fabric of the dress. It is sleeveless, and has a scoop neckline. There is a very slight amount of pleating at the waistline, making the skirt full enough to comfortably wear while walking. The petticoat is trimmed with cream grosgrain ribbon, and fastens at the back with 'Dorset crosswheel' buttons. |
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