Cotton Dress, unusual

[VMurphy]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350338122425&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I came across this wonderful old example of a sheer cotton dress of the mid century. It's a pale brown, no doubt has faded over the years.. It has a fitted bodice with darts and a fitted back.
These aren't very common, but we do find them occasionally. Thought every one might find it of interest...and maybe someone would find it in their hearts to bid on it and take it home with them:wink_smil For the moment the price is extremely reasonable. If I had the storage space I would consider owning it.

Vivian Murphy

http://www.themantuamaker.net

[MrsArmstrong]

Re: Cotton Dress, unusual

Nice Vivian,
Looks like the dress has three darts instead of the usual two.
Susan Armstrong

[Fritz]

Re: Cotton Dress, unusual

Isn't there some rule about posting EBAY bidding?? Just wondering.

[Michael Comer]

Re: Cotton Dress, unusual

There is a rule about posting Ebay links but that is aimed more at an individual who might be trying to solicit sales. However, if someone is posting the link for research purposes or just to bring attention to something that might be of interest then it is usually allowed to stand. In this case, Ms. Murphy is not trying to make a sale but is pointing out an example of clothing that others might find interest in for research purposes or to own for their collection. In this case the decision has been made to let it stand.

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Cotton Dress, unusual

I'd like to see it on a mannequin, then it would be easier to tell what the shape of the bodice actually is. The seller states several times and in several places that s/he knows little of our era and is just giving impressions... the lightness and lack of scratchiness could be fooling the seller into thinking a light wool dress is cotton. S/He wouldn't be the first to make that mistake.

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Cotton Dress, unusual

It would be nice to see it on a dressform; the bodice looks short, but that could be distortion from the flat view, or it could have belonged to a short, stout woman. :)

Translating from the seller: it's not an empire waist, the "smocking" is gauging, the "back" is the front.

Those 11 hooks down the front look to be spaced about every 1.25", so it's not *that* short in the body, really, is it?

But, here's a curious thing! There's a seam detail or topstitched tuck on the outside, but *not* on the inside lining, though the lining is a full-bodice one (barring sleeves). There are also no watermarks on the very white lining to correspond with the heavy markings on the outer bodice. I would love to see the inside of the bodice at the darts.

What I'm wondering is if this dress is truly atypical for the 60s (darted cotton) or if it's actually a sheer wool (less common to dart it in the 60s, but still reasonable), or if it's a sheer something for the later 50s?

It's a mystery, Charlie Brown!

[Spongebucket]

Re: Cotton Dress, unusual

Ladies,
Could this be an improve maternaty dress? A regular garment that was altered in the front to accept a "bundle of joy"?
Much of the cut is like an 1850s dress in house. Like you all, would be better if displayed on a mannequin.
Will be curious to know the true answer....if it's out there.
Cheers,
Joe Blunt