Blouse

The skill and attention to detail with which this small child's blouse was made is still evident and astonishing, despite the fact that the linen cloth has discoloured with age. The garment’s maker used ample amounts of linen for the body and sleeves, ensuring comfort and freedom of movement. The material is gathered tightly at the neck and wrists and secured with lines of decorative stitching in black silk. Gussets under the arms would have allowed the child even greater movement.

Instead of using simple seams, the sleeves and gussets have been attached with embroidered insertions worked in linen thread. The insertions imitate lace and are a light and delicate complement to the volume of fabric falling from the neck. A similar effect has been achieved along the top of the shoulder by pulling together threads from the linen ground and securing them with white and light brown silk.