A Late 1830s Evening Bodice

Details of the gathering at the neckline. The gathering continues to the shoulder seams. The silk is folded over, and the excess hangs inside. The silk fringe is lightly tacked to the upper edge. On the right, there's a good view of the center front piping.

Details of the piping at the armscye and shoulder seams. The tiny 1/16" piping helps to strenthen the seams. It became common to use on dresses as a structural and decorative element during the 1820s. Piping was nearly always self-fabric.

Details of the sleeves and the piping in the sleeve seam. Both the sleeves and the piping are cut on the bias. The cuffs were sewn before the sleeve was sewn into a tube, this is evident from the mismatched puffs on the right.

On the left, a detail of the cuff. The sleeve lining is straight and the puffs are mounted on to them. They're sewn to the lining at the top, center and bottom. On the right, a detail of the tuck in the back.

The underarm seams are directly on the sides. The sleeve seams are just slightly in front of these seams.