#2866 $1,400
Embroidered pink linen tea dress, c.1905
With its rare pink hue and lavish decoration, this exquisite dress is a special find: a refreshing alternative to the classic white Edwardian dress. So crisp and clean, the dress is one of the prettiest I have found. It would be lovely for an informal wedding.
The dress is fashioned from delicate pink handkerchief linen. The cloth is machine embroidered with bands of white satin stitch flowers, eyelet, and scalloped borders. The bodice features rows of tiny tucks so beloved by the Edwardians.
The bodice and sleeves also have inserts of lace and cutwork as well as hand embroidered French knots and feather stitching. The dress closes in back with tiny mother-of-pearl buttons on the bodice and hooks on the skirt.
This dress, originally for a larger woman, was taken in by hand. Luckily all the extra fabric is still there except in the waistband, which was cut. You can see the extra bodice fabric (2nd picture from the bottom) that was turned up when the bodice was shortened. There is also abundant fullness in the front that can be let out.
The bottom picture shows the extra fabric of the skirt that was turned into deep back pleats. If you wish to again make the dress larger, you can extend the waistband. Alternatively, you can make a waistband of lace that matches the look of the dress. The back of the skirt forms a graceful train.
The condition is excellent and wearable.
It measures: 36" bust, 24" waist, 36" hip (room to let out), 15 1/2" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, 18" sleeve length, 14 1/2" from the shoulder to the top of the waistband, and 38" center-front skirt length.
