Sometimes what someone tells us is not the best information. :-) The 'classic' women's Garibaldi shirt c.1860-1865 was made from lightweight red wool flannel embroidered in black in scroll patterns. It is cut very full and gathered into a waistband (worn over the waistband of the skirt), with very full sleeves gathered into a cuff, and a small standing collar. Variations of the style included other fabrics - white wool flannel, fine white cotton - but all with the same cut and scroll trim.
Garibaldi shirts were high fashion, worn by younger women or VERY fashionable older women, for informal occasions: walks, picnics, boating, at recreational activities. The style is likely one of the LAST that would have been worn by a "country widowed woman, spinner, middle class". Although it is simpler in cut and can be easier to fit than other 1860s styles, anyone with a modicum of sewing skills and intellect (can thread a needle and use a pencil) can learn to produce an 1860s garment that would be much more appropriate for this impression. There are dozens of general costume histories that discuss Garibaldi shirts and literally thousands of original images on websites across the country. An Internet search on the term will lead you to many examples. Just be cautious and check the source of the Internet postings. Look for primary sources (Google books) and images identified by reliable institutions and sources. Although "I was one once", tread cautiously with the information posted on various reenacting sites. Some of it is very good; unfortunately much of it is best described as myth and misinformation. Regards, Carolann Schmitt www.genteelarts.com Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference, March 4-7, 2010 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2009 12:38 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: [h-cost] Garibaldi Shirt WAS: Primary source for Elizabethan pillbox hats sought I am thinking of branching out into early US Civil War, and I was told that 'the easist thing to make is the Garibaldi shirt'. However there were no examples around for anyone to show me. And no reference book/website for them to point me to. Can you please share a pic / web site / pattern with me so I can start creating a prototype Civil War outfit. I am aiming for a country widowed woman, spinner, middle class, if that helps. Katheryne _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
