These 5 pieces are from an infant's layette c 1800 and were found at the same house in Gloucestershire, England. They comprise a beatifully sewn cotton infant gown, 2 undergarments (which I've never seen before from this era), and 2 linen shifts. All pieces are hand-sewn.
 
1.  The gown is empire cut, very long (approximately 33" from the center neckline to the hem), and has its original ties at the back. It is just beatifully sewn. It has minor scattered spots/stains and no holes or tears.
 
2. One of the two undergarments is also cotton, measures 20" from the center neckline to the hem, and has its original ties at the back. This one has very tiny spots and no holes or tears.
 
3. The second undergarment is cotton at the top and wool at the skirt. It is  so absolutely tiny that I wonder whether it was made for a doll rather than an infant -- I'm just not sure! The circumference of the chest is only about 10" when the early buttons at the back are closed and is about 19.5" long from the center neckline to the ribbon-edged hem. The wool of this garment was attractive to ancient moths and there are holes (shown in a photo). There are also scattered stains and the stitching attaching the top to the skirt needs to be reinforced.
 
4. and 5. These 2 garments are simple linen shifts with their original ties.  One is approximately 13.75" and the other 23.5" long from the center neckline to the hems. There are minor small scattered stains and no holes. I'm not sure what these shifts were used for -- perhaps for sleeping or to wrap the infant up after a bath?
 
(# 202440)