19th-Century Dress

This elegant 19th-century dress showcases refined craftsmanship and design details typical of the period. Featuring an empire waist and richly textured silk in bronze and gold tones, the garment is adorned with a scalloped, cape-like panel across the shoulders. Delicate cartridge pleats shape the skirt and sleeves, with the puff sleeves gathered neatly under the arm for added volume and structure. The fine lace trim and subtle sheen of the fabric complete the dress’s sophisticated silhouette.

Back View

Back View

Problem Areas: The back bodice of the garment had begun to detach from the waistband, likely due to the weight of the skirt. When the garment was donated to the LSU Textile & Costume Museum, it arrived with straight pins still in the waistband and ha

Problem Areas: The back bodice of the garment had begun to detach from the waistband, likely due to the weight of the skirt. When the garment was donated to the LSU Textile & Costume Museum, it arrived with straight pins still in the waistband and had not been altered or handled since then, until this conservation process began

Problem Areas: Call out

Problem Areas: Call out

Close up view of waistband condition; The pins were slightly eroded and stuck to the garment.

Close up view of waistband condition; The pins were slightly eroded and stuck to the garment.

Solution: I cut a strip of muslin to match the length of the affected area and carefully secured it to both the waistband and the back bodice. Muslin was chosen for this stabilization because it was commonly used to line garments in the 19th century.

Solution: I cut a strip of muslin to match the length of the affected area and carefully secured it to both the waistband and the back bodice. Muslin was chosen for this stabilization because it was commonly used to line garments in the 19th century. Additionally, unlike the textiles we typically use for conservation at LSU, I believed muslin would provide the most stability and help ensure the artifact's longevity and functionality for future display.

Solution: After securing the muslin, I sewed over the original stitch line of the waistband, catching both the back bodice and the muslin. This process was repeated on both sides of the bodice, as well as along the top and bottom of the waistband, to

Solution: After securing the muslin, I sewed over the original stitch line of the waistband, catching both the back bodice and the muslin. This process was repeated on both sides of the bodice, as well as along the top and bottom of the waistband, to reattach the back bodice and further secure the skirt

Solution: Inside view

Solution: Inside view

Solution

Solution

Problem Areas: The side seams of the garment, extending to the under arm were opened.

Problem Areas: The side seams of the garment, extending to the under arm were opened.

Problem Areas: Close up side seam and underarm

Problem Areas: Close up side seam and underarm

Solution: Starting with the underarm, I cartridge pleated it back together to set it back into the side seam.

Solution: Starting with the underarm, I cartridge pleated it back together to set it back into the side seam.

Solution: For the side seam, I applied the same method used on the waistband by securing a strip of muslin to the area with an invisible stitch. Then, I stitched along the original stitch line on the right side of the seam, sewing through the muslin

Solution: For the side seam, I applied the same method used on the waistband by securing a strip of muslin to the area with an invisible stitch. Then, I stitched along the original stitch line on the right side of the seam, sewing through the muslin to close the seam

Solution: Closed armhole and side seam

Solution: Closed armhole and side seam

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Project Two