#1756 $550
Lady's linen chemise, c.1820-1830
By the 1790s, a lady's undergarment was called a chemise, replacing the earlier term shift, which was now considered vulgar. Our chemise is fashioned from coarse linen and is completely hand sewn.
With time and multiple washings, the linen has whitened and softened. The neckline and sleeve edges are trimmed with hand-embroidered scallops. The chemise has a hand-embroidered, monogrammed "AF" in front.
Chemises, particularly in pattern catalogues, are picture flat so that you can see how they are cut. The triangular side panels in the flat pictures give the impression that the chemise stands out from the body on the side. In fact these side panels push the front and back into graceful bias folds.
The condition is excellent. The shift is hand sewn and all original except for the drawstring casing, which is a replacement. If you are a purist, you can remove the machine stitching and put in a casing of period fabric by hand. For you sewers out there, this is an easy project. (I will have tougher jobs for you in the future!)
It measures: 46" bust and 42" from the shoulder to the hem.
