PINAFORE.[Fig. 5.]
This pinafore orblouseis made of very fine holland,trimmed with worsted braid. There are two ways of making it: the first is that given in the engraving; the second, which has much the same effect, was brought into this country by a Russian family of the highest rank. It was made of the richest crimson velvet with gold braid and buttons.
The First Pattern.—Measure the length from the child’s knee to the top of the shoulder; and cut out in holland, a perfect round, exactly double the width of the length you have taken, and two nails over, thus—if it be half a yard from the child’s knee to the shoulder, the circle must be one yard and two nails wide. In the exact centre of this cut a circle out, large enough forthe neck, and on each side of it, (distant 5 to 6 inches,) another hole for the arm. A slit is made from the neck, the straight way of the stuff, six inches long. A pair of full and long sleeves are then put in the small holes, and two lines of worsted braid go down them from the centre of the neck, on each side, confining the sleeves in plaits. Small wristbands are set on, also trimmed with braid, the neck and slit are hemmed, and trimmed in the same way, and buttons and loops added to fasten the slit. A hem, one nail broad is made all round the outer edge of the circle, and trimmed like the rest. The pinafore is then complete, being merely confined with a broad band and buckle at the waist.
The other pattern was still more simply made, notwithstanding the rich materials. As it would be best made in French merino, I will describe it in that material—two yards will be more than enough, unless the child is unusually tall. Cut off a yard and three-eighths, fold it evenly, and join up the two sides, leaving only room for an armhole. Slit the centre of the width about 6 inches, or perhaps twelve; and make a slit of six inches, at the end of this one in the opposite direction. Cut the sleeves long, and full at the bottom, make a hem, which trim with braid, and put them in the arm-holes; plait up the fulness on each side of the neck in large plaits, and confine them by a double row of braid which continues to the bottom of the sleeve. Hem and trim the slit in the same manner; fold in plaits the superfluous fulness of the neck, (if twelve inches have been cut) and trim it also with braid. Make a hem at the bottom of the dress and finish in like manner. A few ornamental buttons should fasten the opening on the breast, and also go down the shoulders, and a broad band round the waist completes this graceful dress. For full dress, a rich green merino, with silver braid, and silver buttons, has a very rich and chaste effect.