Baby's woolen blanket garment?

Pinkcoke

Pinkcoke

Alumni
It has been suggested this has been made out of an old wool blanket and all I know is it's the sort of blanket from the 50's or possibly earlier (based on some we have). I don't know what the opening at the side is for, as the only way is fastens is if you take both triangles and tie them together, roughly this would fit a young baby. Has anybody seen a similar garment before? Is it winter wear? to go over a top?
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I believe this is an early 1900's winter garment under dress or slip. Cream colored wool flannel was often used for baby undergarments in colder climates and in poorly heated homes. Lots of them had hand work and embroidery.
The design is very clever by crossing over on both the front and back creating a double thickness to keep tiny chests warm One triangular section would slip through the slit and cross over the chest, then the other would wrap around the side and meet on the tummy or side depending on the size of the infant. ( I made a little paper one to see how it worked.) Often they were fastened with safety pins, but some had buttonholes and buttons. The garment opening down the back made it easier to change diapers. No Pampers then. And if it got wet, the wool did not feel cold and clammy. A sweet find to show on a doll.
Marian
 
Hi,

I agree with Marion on this one. I also used to come across these made from cast off or damaged adult garments, such as sleeves from nightgowns or coat linings, (cotton or wool) made into tiny baby gowns. The wool flannel ones are so charming, especially when embroidered. I love it!

Wool wicks away moisture (such as baby pee) from a baby's skin, so that made the wool practical even in warm weather. I believe they even made diapers from wool for just that reason. Can you imagine? No wonder baby cried!
 
Wow thank you both for sharing with me so much of your knowledge! The safety pin idea would work - I think I was overestimating the size of Baby - (I've only been close to one before) - the front panel is a handspan big. One thing I didn't photograph and is now relevant, on the end of the triangles and further down the skirt I found two cream satin squares sewed on one either side as reinforcement for the constant pinning I suppose. The two triangles do reach each other equally at the front and so it makes a very pretty garment for a baby!
 
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