Ain’t she a beaut?? The generous amount of pleats on this beautiful blouse (at the time it was worn it would have been referred to as a “shirtwaist”) easily date it back to between 1880 – 1910 or when the Gibson Girl style was the rage. It is made of linen English eyelet in a leaf pattern. Traveling down from the shoulders, a wide version of the eyelet is masterfully sewn into a “V” pattern. The body of the blouse is made of the same weight linen with pleats added on each side of an inset of yet more pleats bordered by matching eyelet. The sleeves compliment the rest of the blouse and are finished with a pretty Valenciennes lace. Surprisingly, there was very little wear or damage. There was a scant handful (four, if I remember correctly, and all but one on the sleeves) of very small holes, all of which I darned by hand and are not even noticeable. The buttons have all been replaced but a hook and eye needs to be added at the waistline. The neck has no buttons or hooks and I can’t see that there were ever any at all. Add them if you wish or leave it as is. It cleaned up to BRIGHT white with no stains or yellowing whatsoever and is still extremely strong. The measurements are as follows:
Bust: 36”
Neck: 11”
Sleeves: 23.5”
Waist: 26”
Length (shoulder to hem): 16”
This was fully restored by hand… hand cleaned, air dried and pressed without starch. It can be either displayed on a mannequin as a parlor piece and an excellent addition to a vintage textile collection.
I thank you for looking and, as always, if you have any questions or need additional pictures, just ask! I’ll be more than happy to oblige.
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