I too have actually seen the Shinrone gown up close, but did not have the
opportunity to handle it (I didn't know at the time that I could have just
asked to do so, and the museum people probably would have said yes), but that
said, I have some dispute with Kass' interpretation.
Part of the problem is that the gown is displayed on a form that's too big for
it, so it can't be laced up in front.
If the gown is indeed dated c. 1600, then there is no reason I know of that it
would be cut to not lace in front -- all the?contemporary drawings of Irish
gowns I've seen (both before and after 1600) show the gowns laced closed in
front. Also, why would a gown not lace? It can get pretty cold and damp in
Ireland -- what would a woman wear under the gown to keep her warm?
According to descriptions of the gown, a lot of "restoration" was done to it in
the 1800s. so we realy don't know how much of the weird stitching, seams, etc
are Victorian and how much is contemporary. For example, the bodice was
reinforced back in the 1800s to hold the skirt, which is very heavy.
Look at some of the color illustrations of late 16th century Irish gowns?in
Dunleavy's Dress in Ireland for comparison. I've made several of those gowns
and if you unlace them, guess what? They look just like the Shinrone gown.
By the way, has anyone mentioned the little stand-up collar on the center back
(but not elsewhere) of the bodice? Any ideas what it's for? I'm thinking maybe
to support a small ruff?
Kathleen Norvell
-----Original Message-----
From: Kimiko Small <sstormwa...@yahoo.com>
To: Historical Costume <h-cost...@indra.com>
Sent: Mon, Aug 10, 2009 4:32 pm
Subject: Re: [h-cost] Shirone gown
Hi Cynthia,
Kass' info on the Shinrone gown is probably the most thorough I know of, as she
handled the gown herself, and most of the rest I've seen is usually based on
written descriptions of the garment and two photos in one book (Dress in
Ireland). I know from having made my own many years ago, before her info came
out, that the written info is incomplete, and there are unseen & unwritten
details that Kass describes pretty well.
And as Kass mentions, it is not supposed to lace closed in front. It really is
cut that way, tho why I am still not sure.
Kimiko
________________________________
From: Cin <cinbar...@gmail.com>
Ladies (and a few gents),
Have any of you got informative comments to share on the Shirone gown?
I'm looking at the front and wondering whether that placket is
* cut on the straight grain like a Henrican kirtle & distorted with
age, wear and/or burial
* cut on the straight CF but folded back in a slight V for a wider CF
lacing area
* really cut in a curve like that?!
I've read Recontructing History's notes and would like confirming or
contrasting facts, if you have any to share.
Thanks all!
--cin
Cynthia Barnes
cinbar...@gmail.com
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