civil war era perhaps?

blubirdboutique

blubirdboutique

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Hello! Just trying to get more opinions on what these two garments could be? I originally thought Victorian nightgown but a few other people mentioned older and possibly a sort of under-dress or maybe even a baptismal gown? Any thoughts? They are cotton and the pink one has cinched leg openings. The grey one was turned into a mouse outfit at one point complete with stocking mouse tail. I pulled out the seams and put it back to the original fit. Seams look to be stitched by machine mostly. A few hook and eye closures. I will have to work on better photos and they need a good soaking. Thoughts? Thank you!

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So they are cotton? with hoods? full sleeves? and pant legs? The colour looks pretty even so I dont' think these would have been redyed and as far as I know, I don't believe adult baptismal gowns were ever any colour but white. Any context in which you found them that could shed light?
 
Jonathan said:
So they are cotton? with hoods? full sleeves? and pant legs? The colour looks pretty even so I dont' think these would have been redyed and as far as I know, I don't believe adult baptismal gowns were ever any colour but white. Any context in which you found them that could shed light?
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Hello! Yes, cotton. Both have hoods and very full sleeves and the pink one has pant legs with gathering at the bottom. Very low crotch. The color seems pretty even. I left a message with the estate sale company to try and gather more info but they might not ever get back to me. It was found in a very old house in the top floor (it had 3 floors). Someone did make the grey one into a mouse costume at some point and had a grey stuffed stocking attached to the rear and had cut and sewn the seams into legs. I undid those seams to try and get a better idea of the original pattern. It's very full. Did nightgowns in Victorian era or older have hoods? They are very pointy. I'm going to look closer at the stitching and try and clean them up a bit and I'll try and post photos on a mannequin. Thanks!
 
Jonathan said:
That was my thinking too - costumes - probably 1890s - 1900s.
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I wonder what kind of costume they would be? I know at some point the grey one was made into a costume, but as for the pink one it does seem maybe original because the stitching really is the same - a very tight stitch with white thread. Almost like an overlock stitch perhaps? I'm not sure what it's called. But the grey had been modified and was definitely a long dress/skirt whatever it would be called. Perhaps dyed as well because they grey is more uneven then the pink. Hmm. Estate sale isn't interested in chatting with me. :)
 
Costumes of the Victorian/Edwardian era were pretty whimsical, especially home sewn pieces. These could have been accessorized for almost anything!
 
pastperfect2 said:
Costumes of the Victorian/Edwardian era were pretty whimsical, especially home sewn pieces. These could have been accessorized for almost anything!
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Here's a few more photos. Hilarious and quite unflattering :D. The grey one is really big - the arm length hangs way below my below my fingertips and the total length is a good few feet longer than my height. Sorta feels like a druid costume :) Sorry about the mirror! All I have right now!

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