Fig Leaf Patterns 123: Drawstring Front Spencer c 1797-1800
This lovely yellow silk spencer was part of the DAR Museum exhibit “An Agreeable Tyrant: Fashion after the Revolution” in 2016. Like dresses of the time, this spencer has a drawstring front and a constructed back. It has linen linings sewn at the side seams but unattached at the front. These linen fronts hold the bust while the fashion fabric is gathered on drawstrings at the opening at top and bottom of center front. It is a fine example of this type, but instead of pinning the separate linen flaps at front, this spencer uses three eyelets (laces no longer with jacket) to close the linen lining.
FIT:
This spencer would have been worn over a gown or under dress (bodiced petticoat FLP 226 or FLP 211) with a shift, stays, and with at least one petticoat. Its back is fitted to the body and the front is gathered, allowing for adjustment for comfort.
FABRIC:
The original exterior fabric is yellow silk and lining is linen. Solids or prints in silk, linen, cotton are found in various collections.
CHOOSING SIZE:
When deciding which size is correct for you to use, measure your rib cage under your bust, preferably with your stays and underpinnings on. Since the front is gathered, adjusting to a larger bust is easily accommodated.