Notes:

This dress was given to us by a friend a few years ago when she went on the mission field. This dress belonged to our friend's great Aunt Lucy. I seem to recall that Aunt Lucy lived in the mid-west, possibly Kansas. I really don't remember now.

Unfortunately this dress is poor condition. The lining is in very poor condition. Alterations were made in the 1970s, when it was used by my friend as a Halloween costume.

Still it is a lovely piece, with it's feminine ruffles, sweeping train and graceful princess lines. The fabric appears to be a wool or wool blend.  The feel of the textile is rather rough and loosely woven. The colors are bright and earthy. The lining is a tan polished cotton. The pockets are of black velveteen.  The top ruffle and collar are trimmed in narrow black velvet ribbon.

None of the original buttons remain (those seen are now are all plastic and probably date to the 1970s when the dress was altered). I wonder if those original buttons were black velveteen too?

Despite it's alterations and poor condition I am fascinated by this piece. Each new observation brings three new questions. If only fabric could talk! For more detailed notes and other observations, please click on the thumbnails below.

outside

inside