INSERTION, DRESS, BABY

A delicate baby’s georgette gown, with machine Valenciennes lace inserts, frills and pintucking,
worn by a baby in Kalgoorlie in Western Australia in early 1950s.

This pretty baby’s long dress has a high waisted bodice rather than a yoke with machine Valenciennes lace and pintucking. The bodice has a narrow vertical lace band with extremely fine pintucking on each side
The lower part has a central panel with horizontal Valenciennes lace inserts and pintucking. On either side of this panel is a gathered Valenciennes lace edging.
The panels on either side of the central panel have a vertical valenciennes insert lace with a white satin ribbon.
The back is plain. Small puffed sleeves, 100 mm, are edged with narrow Valenciennes lace at the neck and hemline. Back opening has three mother-of-pearl buttons.

The garment has insect holes, especially at the back.

Although there is a photo of this being worn in 1950s, it is guessed that the garment is a family heirloom from early 1900s based on page 155 of Heather Toomer’s book - see below.