A
Replicated Trousseau
for a 19th Century Reproduction Doll
Night
Clothes
The loosely
fitted long nightdress for dolly's night time slumber has front
narrow released tucks from neck to waist and a double box plait
at the center back of the neck to give fullness. The full length
front placket has a button closure, with hand-worked buttonholes.
A narrow yoke detailed with delicate feather stitching encircles
the neck. The lightweight vintage linen nightdress is enhanced with
vintage lace on each side of the placket.
The nightdress
was influenced by the historical description from an 1887 Standard
Fashion Company doll pattern found in The Collector's Book of
Dolls' Clothes, Costumes in Miniature, 1700-1929.
The nightgown
on the pattern had a front, back and long full sleeves and the closure
extended all the way down the front. The pattern directions read:
"In the neck edge of the night-gown back and near the bottom
of the sleeve form a double box-pleat."
Dolly's nightcap
is made from a vintage handkerchief given to Cindy by a friend.
It is shirred into a "frill" at the crest and decorated with a cluster
of knotted ribbon. A running string allows for size adjustment.
A
pair of slippers will keep dolly's feet warm.
Crazy
Quilt
A
fad of the Victorian era, and one which demanded lots of skill and
creativity, was the crazy quilt. However, periodicals for ladies provided
ideas and directions for anyone who lacked either or both. So dolly
must have a Victorian Crazy Quilt- a medley of patches randomly placed
onto a foundation. The patches were embroidered by Cindy with several
different embroidery stitches and personalized with dolly's name.
This "slumber throw" will keep dolly warm on cold winter nights, or
as many Victorians did, she can put it in her parlor for decoration.
Finished quilt
size is approximately 14 inches by 8 inches. Cindy's quilt includes
vintage fabrics from a friend, other various vintage garments and
a silk tie her father wore years ago. A fancy pillow accompanies
the quilt.
Pillow
Instructions:
Top-
Cut an 8 1/4" x 5 1/2" rectangle from fancy tapestry, embroidered
or other suitable fabric. Baste an 8 1/4" x 5 1/2" rectangle of
batting to wrong side of pillow top.
Back-
Cut an 8 1/4" x 5 1/2" rectangle of velvet or other suitable fabric.
With right sides together sew pillow top to back, leaving a space
for turning. Turn pillow right side out and press. Stuff pillow
and slip stitch opening closed. Sew small cord or other suitable
trim around outer edge of pillow.
Part III of the article Ultimate Doll Costuming: The Trousseau,
by
Donna Birkey
was printed in the July 1999
issue of DOLL ARTISAN magazine (Volume 22 • Number 2),
published by Jones Publishing, Inc., Iola, Wisconsin.
