Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Dress made from handkerchiefs 1881 from Peterson's magazine



"We give, here, a new design for making up a Madras costume, either of wool or gingham. 
These handkerchief-boarder goods come in fine wool and cottons, either woven in squares, with border all round, or with the border on one or both edges of the plain cloth; or the plaid. Bayadere stripes, or brocaded goods can be bought by the yard, and put on as a border. The Bayadere stripes are the newest thing out, in the way of combination trimming. 

Our model here is of fine wool, with handkerchief-border. 

The round skirt is trimmed with a side, or as it is often called, a kilt-plaiting, half the width of the goods, which is a yard wide. Allow three times the fullness for the plaiting. 
A very narrow skirt is required; but little over two yards in width for the foundation. And to this the plaiting is arranged. 
Two handkerchiefs are then disposed of, forming a pointed tunic, which is fastened in front with a knotted end at the knee, as seen in the illustration.   
The back is formed of two more handkerchiefs, with the fullness placed in irregular poufs. 
The long basque-bodice is gathered to the fronts, at the neck and waist, the border of the handkerchiefs forming the hem for buttons and buttonholes, and also making the turned-back revers. 
The back of the basque is looped up en panier. 
Handkerchief fichu, knotted at the throat. 
Coat sleeves, with pointed cuffs of the border. 
From ten to twelve handkerchiefs will be required, with plain material enough to make the foundation of the skirt which must match in color and quality as near as possible. 

These wool handkerchiefs cost from fifty cents to one dollar and a –half apiece. 
The cotton or Madras ones from thirty-five cents to fifty cents each."

No comments: