A Antique Work Bodice
Early Bustle? or Edwardian?
continued from page one

A detail of the inside of the stand-up ruffle collar, which is a doubled piece of fabric applied to the neckline and then bound with self cut bias. Also a view of the button hole- also unusual, as it runs vertically instead of horizontally.


The hem of the bodice is eased in because of the flare of the bottom of the bodice.
It is machine stitched, this is not uncommon for either period in a work gown.


Close-up of the inside armscye, and the yoke joining.
notice the large overcast stitch? This garment was made in a hurry, not with the usual care.



Fabric showing the right and wrong side and ruler for perspective of size
the thread count seems to be about 72 threads per inch

A scan at 300 dpi in a quarter inch square graph paper

So is it Edwardian or Early Bustle- well for me, my money is on Edwardian...
A reproduction made similar could feasibly be worn for either period.
Butterick catalogs from the 1870's show a plaited waist, and a dressing gown that are similar patterns
and I have a photograph from about 1908 that shows a lady in a wrapper of similar cut.

This is only one of several garments that I am doing intense studies and photography on
for the purpose of posting them in my new class
"No Lady of Leisure- Dress for the Working Class Victorian and Edwardian woman."

Would you Like to Know more About Victorian Work Clothing?
The rest of my collection of everyday and work clothing garments, photos and memorabilia will be featured in my upcoming class No Lady of Leisure on Shooting Star's Sewing Seminars!
Glad you stopped by!
Marna Jean

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