On Oct 11, 2010, at 6:10 AM, Kate Bunting wrote:
Laurie T wrote:
The chemise in the painting seems unlikely to have a drawstring
neckline.
Any thoughts on this?
We discussed drawstrings on shifts/chemises a few years ago, and
the consensus was that before the 18th century they all had sewn
gathers round the neck and wrists.
I recently heard a talk by Stuart Peachey, the British expert on
the 17th century, and asked him a question about this. He confirmed
the above statement.
Kate Bunting
Librarian & 17th century reenactor.
Not much in the way of drawstrings in the 18thC, either. There are a
few cases of a drawstring to snug up or hold the shape of a neckline,
but not for controlling mass quantities of fabric. Shift sleeves were
gathered into cuffs that buttoned and sometimes had a ruffle added..
Some decades had volume in the sleeves, others had less volume when
the gown sleeves fit closely.
I think the 1960s/70s "peasant" look made us believe drawstrings were
all over the place.
-Carol
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