Dressing German Doesn’t Require Dressing Plain
Dress
The dress is made from white embroidered cotton eyelet. Red ribbon is drawn through the beading which peeks out from beneath the apron skirt. A gathered skirt falls from the empire waistline, and red ribbon bows occupy a spot at the top edge of the ruffle of the elbow-length puffed sleeves. An extra piece of white trim at the neckline serves as a standup collar.
Buttons and loops secure the back opening. Method for loops same as for belt loops on apron.
The bodice is lined, arm’s-eye seam is covered, and shoulder and underarm seams are French.
Full View of Doll in Dress Holding Apron |
Dress Detail ~ Loops 
Loop Method |
Dress Detail ~ Interior |
Apron
Apron Back
Apron Ruffle
The identifying feature of an apron is the complete back opening. Other than that, an apron could be elaborate or simple, have long sleeves or short, trimmed or plain. A belt or sash sometimes kept the apron in place. The red and white cotton dotted Swiss apron which Cindy replicated has a skirt that falls in gathers from the softly angled yoke.
Also attached to the yoke is a ruffle which has been finely gathered with a pleater, producing very tiny pleats and giving extra detail.
Short sleeves cap the elbow-length dress sleeves. The apron yoke is lined as was usual in 1890-1910 and seams are French. Two rows of lace tape are hand sewn as a trim around the yoke, ruffle, skirt, sleeves and belt.
The hand embroidered belt controls the full fabric of apron, dress and petticoat, ending in a back bow, and is held in place by handmade thread belt loops. On the belt are small trim flowers sewn within a hand embroidered design.
 Top: Apron Sleeve |
Apron Belt Pattern |
