INSERTION,CROCHET, CHRISTENING GOWN

Donor, Jenny Stephenson, was President of the Embroiderers’ Guild 2016-2018. This was her christening gown made her mother at outbreak of WWII in 1939.

(a) Dress is of cream muslin with a high bodice and long gathered skirt. Irish crochet squares 100 x 100 mm, centre, surrounded by machine lace 20mm wide are the significant feature. There is one square at centre of front of bodice,
5 down front of skirt, one on each side and 2 at back of skirt. On either side of the Irish crochet squares, are 7 rows of pintucks and a line of machine insertion lace 20mm wide. Same lace around the hem and narrower lace around neck. Back neck opening has 5 tiny pearl buttons and hand stitched buttonholes.
Sleeves 140 mm long have Irish crochet motif in centre, 7 pintucks either side and lace edging.
From waist, two sashes, 900 mm long, with machine rolled hems. At end are 4 little crochet bobbles 12 mm long

(b) Petticoat of fine cream lawn has a gathered skirt. Band of machine lace 100mm wide at waist, neck and hem.
Opening at back to waist. Handstitched buttonholes and 5 pearl buttons.