This is a really lovely, clean vintage white shirt waist, or blouse, from the late Teens (1910’s) with lots of delightful handwork. 

Made of very fine white cotton, it features beautiful hand made drawnwork squares with satin stitched dots on the collar and sleeve cuffs that are both edged with lace.  The drawnwork design also runs vertically down the center front on both sides of the closure.  Tiny vertical pintucks on the front provide the bust shaping.  There is a cotton twill waist tie, at the back center waist.

Closure is at center front with 12 buttons – 6 mother of pearl buttons appear to be original, 2 slightly larger mother of pearl buttons look to be possible period replacements and the remaining 4 buttons are missing.  Each cuff buttons with two of the original mother of pearl buttons.  (These buttons could be moved to the center front and different buttons used at the cuffs.)  Buttonholes are handworked. 

There are some very small holes at the center back waist just above the twill tape tie, which will be likely hidden when worn and are small enough not to be noticeable.  At the center back of the collar is a yellowed mark where a name label was once affixed (other clothing items from the same estate had labels in this area).  There are two very small, light, blue spots on the left front that look like they might be ink – very light and not terribly noticeable.  The stitching around the left sleeve armscye is coming loose at the front of the seam and the underarm has a period patched repair.  It is very neatly done, obviously by an experienced seamstress.  Both underarms are lightly stained, light enough that I didn’t notice it right away.

The black line showing under the blouse is on the dress form to show the location of the natural waist.

Skirt #C0057 shown in photo with blouse is NOT included in price but may be available separately.

In good condition - clean, sound condition and still very wearable. 

How we measure our garments

Approximate measurements:

Bust:                            38”                  

Waist:                          Adjustable, but approximately 42”

Shoulders:                    14”

Sleeve Length:              23”