Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Emmitt's first ever gown

I say 'gown' because it sounds a little more masculine than 'dress.' Or does it? Maybe it sounds more elegant!

Emmitt will soon be ready for our big adventurous summer of the 1860s. Our first big event is Memorial Day weekend. The girls have had dresses for some time now, but Emmitt did not and that was making me nervous. So a few nights ago I made Emmitt his first Civil War era clothing. Children in 19th century, no matter their gender, wore dresses until they were toilet trained. But since there were not toilets in 1862, I suppose you could just say out of diapers. So, my little guy gets to wear a dress all summer, along with petticoats and pinafores! Just like his sisters. Some MEN may have a hard time with that, but my dad is only in his 50s and he wore a dress when he was an infant. Just one generation before that, they all wore gowns until they were out of diapers. Most boys were not 'breeched' until 4 or 5 years old. It was just easier that way.

This is the little piece of heaven I bought in Montana last week at the amazing antique store I found. Chemises of the 1860s should technically have small sleeves, but it was so darling and only $4, how could I resist?!


Here is the gown. I made it with reproduction fabric and I found the most masculine colors I could so Matt wouldn't think I have gender issues with little boys and pink! See how happy he is? He just loves Civil War times! Actually, he had a real problem for a few minutes when I first put it on him. He did not like that billowing fullness about his legs AT ALL! But, he got used to it. I hope I can get him used to this darling bonnet! My friend Amanda bought it on Ebay for her daughter and it was much smaller than she expected!



Here is the sad bonnet picture - he is so darling. Now I need to make the lad some petticoats and a pinafore or two. That will be tonight hopefully. It is a good thing we are experiencing crazy cold weather or I would be outside spraying weeds and playing in the dirt instead of getting us ready for Camp Floyd Civil War Days Celebration!

7 comments:

your sister said...

I really dont know what to say....

I think it is funny in a very immature way-- I think he is so damn cute in an aunt sort of way-- I think that you are amazing in a coveting sister sort of a way-- and I think he might hate you when he is a teenager for this is a futuristic sort of way!!!

love you

Jenny said...

TORI you crack me up! Hey things could be a lot worse "futuristicly" speaking! :)

ourhaskellfamily said...

Love the sad face with the bonnet. Too cute.

Amy said...

Oh, he's darling! That "sad bonnet picture" is just killing me, he's so cute!

I love that fabric -- yes, very masculine! -- and the adorable bonnet and chemise. I have a photo of an original toddler boy's dress which was polka-dot, so don't discount that possibility for a fabric choice in the future.

Can't wait to see his little petticoats! Isn't it fun to make those little clothes? :)

Sarah Jane's pattern for a baby cap is also a good choice for boys: http://romantichistoryclothing.blogspot.com/2009/10/19th-century-three-piece-baby-cap.html

Take care,
Amy

your sis again said...

oh I hope I did not make you mad.....

Sarah said...

Oh how adorable! I too love the sad bonnet picture. . .and I love the fabric you chose for his dress. It does indeed look very masculine. I did end up getting Malachi a double pink fabric for a dress for our next event, which will be scallopy and ruffly, just because boys *could* wear pink, and I sarcastically want to indulge the people who ask me time and again, "how old is your beautiful daughter?" :P Great job!

Kate said...

lol I can see how they just put little boys in 'gowns' too...they would just tear pants all to shreds and I doubt they took the time to deal with diapers...very smart. I think he needs a cowboy hat though...there isnt a masculine bonnet or way to tie it that I have seen (not that I am a bonnet expert or anything)

I love the sad bonnet pic, but I agree with Tori. When he gets older this will be the most traumatic thing to happen to him.

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