Every once in a while you find a piece that makes your heart go “pit-a-pat”. Such went my heart all those years ago when I found this dress at an antique doll show in Maryland.
The dress: Made of a brown and red check cotton, it measures 21 inches in length (with 5 inches being ruffle) and 6 ½ inches across the shoulders. It’s got a 9-inch waist and an 8-inch sleeve length. The sleeves have a 1/16 inch brown polished cotton trim around the cuffs. You cannot see it on the photos because I had the cuffs turned in as it was a bit too long for the doll I had it on. If you need photos of the finished sleeves, just ask. The bodice is lined in a fine natural cotton and there are 5 fancy glass buttons embellishing the back.
The overskirt: Measures 11 inches in front nicely transitioning (see photo) to a 14-inch back hem. As you can see in the photos, it is adorned with the same brown polished cotton trim and fancy glass button at waist.
Both pieces are treadle sewn with hand finishing.
Condition is excellent with one tiny little hole in the overskirt.
I purchased this piece years ago from Richard Wright. It was one of the few “country” dresses he had to offer. Needless to say, it did not come cheaply.
It has been one of the prizes of my collection for years, a jaunty holiday dress for a larger cloth doll that has since been sold. It hurts now to see the dress as it reminds me of the beloved poppet I sold and now regret. So, I am passing it on for you to add to your collection, adorn your peg rack or surprise a beloved rag on Christmas morn!