Fig Leaf Patterns 262: Bodice & Skirt with undersleeve, 1850s
There was a label pinned to the inner lining of the skirt: “White watered silked dress worn by SEST when a girl”; but in the bodice is sewn a label “Esties 1850”. Sarah Eliza Sigourney Cushing Tuckerman was born in 1832 (died 1915). Her sister Martha Ann Cushing Esty was born in 1837 (died 1887). Could this ensemble been worn by both sisters or put together from two separate ensemble made from the same fabric? The deep V neckline was popular in the early 1850s as indicated by the date.
FIT
This ensemble would have been worn over a chemise, corset, and several petticoats. With its plunging V neck, a chemisette would have been worn under the bodice.
FABRIC
This ensemble is made from white watered silk and lined in white polished cotton. The silk has a very fine ribbed pattern in the weave and is light weight and crisp to hand. The polished cotton is also very light weight.
LACE and SOFT NET or TULLE
Around the neck the lace is 1 1/2” wide, but on the sleeve it is 3 1/4”. The patterns do not match each other. Both areas, however, have 3 layers of 1 1/2”soft tulle which is gathered next to the lace to add interest.
INCLUDED in this PATTERN
The pattern also includes a pattern for undersleeves which have a 2” wide lace applied to a net base.