washing silk?

This one is a favourite so far!

Another Ebay find this beautiful dress is very similar to one in the Victoria and Albert museum. 


The two dresses are incredibly similar in many details. Right down to the stitch detail at the collar and the button detail at the back. 

The smocking is done in divine detail and has the securing stitches to the back of the smocking panels on the sleeve. This is the biggest difference between the 2 gowns, the V+A gown, known in the collection as MISC.718-1992 , along with its length this one is 21 inches neck front to hem. If this indeed from the same family, I think this dress was created for Brynhild Katherine the sister of the bequestee (is that a word?) who was born 1908.

This item is in excellent condition for its age if it is the same age as its kindred garment no shattering in any area no massive patches of weakening at seams, even the cotton lining is in very good condition. The gown is 100% hand stitched with very fine hand work. The feather stitching is a little rustic which I think would help align it with the idea that both gowns are from the arts and crafts era, the lack of any machine stitching points to a rebellion against the use of machines.There are some small marks to the skirt but these are to be exspected considering the garment is for a child. The buttons look original to the garment and are either shell or mother of pearl. 

There is not much more I can type I will let the photos speak for themselves. 
Selvedge edge of the silk showin the hand stitched construction technique



yoke smocking and collar detail


hand stitching at the cuff showing how it is joined to the garment

Collar and yolk close up

slight staining on the inside collar , children struggle to stay clean

Hand knotted button loops
Small stain size of a 5p piece
cuff details the cuffs have fly stitching like at the collar
Rustic fly stitch done in six strand embroidery floss, cotton not silk
Hand stitching securing the lining to the silk fashion fabric
Reverse of the smocked yolk showing the securing stitches and where some of the front stitches have come through
Collar and yoke the work is breath taking!!! 



Comments