#1661 $750 Sold
Child's cotton dimity dress, c.1820-1840
This delightful dress was made from a corded cotton rib weave known as dimity. The corded effect is produced by alternating fine and coarse yarns in the fill. Originally, dimity was made of silk or wool. Since the 18th century, dimity has been woven almost exclusively from cotton.
Our dress was printed with small floral sprigs. Each of the sprigs consists of a tiny cerise flower with a dark brown/purple bud. These colors were especially appropriate for a little girl. At this time, a white cotton dimity printed with dark brown/purple flowers was quite popular with younger women.
The A-line shape of the dress, used in children's dresses from the late 18th century up to the Empire style of the early 19th century, came back again in the Romantic period when skirts were shorter. The wheel of fashion always comes around: the A-line is all the rage again in 2010!
The completely hand-sewn dress has two front pockets and an adjustable drawstring neckline. The sleeves are attached with corded self piping. The neckline, sleeves, and skirt hem are decorated with a zigzag application of fancy woven tape. The pocket openings are also embellished with tape. The woven pattern of floating geometric "leaves" in the tape is quite endearing.
The condition is almost excellent. A few sections of the tape trim have faded. This very minor flaw indicates that the dress was worn and washed.
It measures: 29" chest, 12 1/4" from sleeve cap to sleeve cap, and 19 1/2" from shoulder to hem.
