Childrens Underthings

Miss Amy · #1 04-09-2006, 04:23 AM

Catherine is in need of some new pettichemise and pantaloons. The old ones are from assorted leftovers, muslin, peach, a flannel (about a size 3).

Anyway - my browseing has givin me the impression that underthings (with the exception of outer petticoats) are white, may have minimal decoration (trim, tucks, featherstiching) and are a practical and easy to clean (boiling) item.

However - she wants pink!!! And the last material selected had big butterflies on it! (she got it - but for a nightie). I have looked at some of the "molted" quilting fabrics, where the color density changes. Would that work - it would give her pink, yet sorta have the look of a washing ooopps.

Or am I too worried about this, and should just let her pick out some fabric she likes - a solid or small pattern?

My own items tend to be "nautral" or white. Although that will be changing, as I have discovered the nice warmth of wearing them under my modern dresses (I tend to wear long, full dresses and skirts, with a loose cut).

Miss Amy

blue_zouave · #2 04-09-2006, 03:59 PM

Dear Miss Amy, I was also possessed of a female grasshopper who wished to wear frilly pink thinks on all layers. And unless said lower layers are on display to the general public, and won't shadow through to the top, one could probably make them out of anything. While ideally the best underthings of the wealthy were made from white fabric, practicality would dictate that underthings be made of any fabric at hand. I'm sure that this was the end of many made-over dresses. If your unit is hot for authenticity, have her choose from among some authentic prints. Just be prepared to explain yourself to the various and sundry "experts" you'll meet at every reenactment!

Zou

Miss Amy · #3 04-10-2006, 03:15 PM

I am working on my corset (and feel like I am making progress) - so I was at Goodwill today looking for a large size mens twill pant to make another "muslin" out of - and found a double size pink sheet and a white one with a eyelet edge for Catherines stuff - hopefully that will keep her happy. And I can honestly tell anyone who askes that her clothes are made from the materials availabe!

Thanks!

Miss Amy

Miss Amy · #4 05-05-2006, 10:32 AM

Well - I have gotten some underthings done for Catherine. I made 2 pairs of flannel lined pantaloon. I did one using the period methond of sewing the lining as part of the material, and one using a moden method so the seams were sandwiched bewteen the lining and the outer material. The period method was much faster to make. The outer fabric is an off-white, but Catherine got pretty pink flowered fannel linings! I also lined the upper part of her pettychemise. Should I have lined the skirt part also? My thought was that the flannel pantaloons would keep her nice and toasty, and the flannel on the skirt would be bulky. Has any one done this before? Any comments or suggestions?

Thanks - Miss Amy

ole · #5 05-05-2006, 05:18 PM

Anyone out there want to claim that civilwartalk has narrow appeal?
Ole

Miss Amy · #6 05-08-2006, 05:14 PM

well - we are discussion period clothing and sewing techniques!

so - your suggestions or comments on flannel linings and pettichemis assembly?

Catherine was a ham at the "fashion show", and had a great time at the event.

I did have one visiting mother comment upon her climbing tress in her dress - but in 1864, she would have been wearing similar stuff to play outside, and I am sure many little girls managed to climb trees in their dresses!

ole · #7 05-08-2006, 11:41 PM

I enjoy reading about all the details of the period. Mostly I don't pick up the specifics, but my mother sewed a lot, and I can generally follow the conversation. I'm simply pleased that we have so many varied interests given space on this board. I read them all.
Ole

Miss Amy · #8 05-09-2006, 11:19 AM

Cool!

So, no sewing tips, but lots of encouragment! I still need some encouragment on my corset - thought I had it, but . . .

The variety of people involved, and the extent, is amazing.

Last weekend I felt like the only one who came in a car - everyone else had trucks and SUVs and vans and trailers. Yet I somehow (over the last few years) I come up with the connection that authenticity is linked to minimalization. Mabe not . . .

ole · #9 05-09-2006, 03:36 PM

Admitting that horses are impractical, I suppose you can be forgiven for arriving by car -- so long as it was a small car.
Ole

Miss Amy · #10 05-09-2006, 04:12 PM

Well - Now I am going have to rethink some things. When I go with the cav I do bring the horses, but they don't get there on their own feet . . . lets see. . .

I am starting to get my identities mixed . . .
the cav . . .
the single mom with the civilian group . . .
the horse trainer . . .
the engineer - HEY - where's my train!

Later -