The Language of Infant Clothes, c1650-1750 Part Four- The End!
We have given the traditional and early names for many parts of this 'layette', but some descriptions never change: Sleeves The collection seems to have 3 different types of sleeve, but I am not sure about one, so let us look at the easy one's first. Sleeves could be attached to the baby shift, or could be separate as these are - This first little pair are very full and gathered at the wrist to form a flounce with little chain stitches. This second pair, of little cuff ruffl
The Language of Infant Clothes, c1650-1750 Part Three
It has become reasonably clear through my reading and searching, that the clothing of a newly born infant, for the first 4-6 weeks of life, stayed almost the same for around 150 years, from circa 1600-1750. The overwhelming change, both in attitudes and common practice, came about post 1750 when the appalling custom of swaddling finally began to be met with disapproval. It was shockingly terrible, the baby being literally tied to boards & wrapped around and around with cloth,
The Language of Infant Clothes, c1650-1750 Part Two
Attributed to Dirck Dircksz Santvoort 'Boy in White' c1641. Netherlands, private collection. If you have read Part One of this investigation, you will know that the few lace trims and the provenance have helped us to identify the approximated age of this 32 piece layette. It is early 18th Century 1720-30's and some possibly earlier. At this point I should make it clear that 'Layette' is not an 18th Century term. It seems to have come into use in the mid 19th Century and is f
The Language of Infant Clothes, c1650-1750 Part One
Introduction When I re-launched my website, I explained that, having examined many items of 18th Century clothing over the last few years, I am now searching for pieces that are very difficult to find. On my budget, this isn't easy! I have a wish-list, which sometimes decreases as I find something on it, and then seems to increase again when I see an item that I have never examined! It keeps me fully occupied. Sources used in this research First, a warm thank you to the Lace
