This is a beautiful dress that is also beautifully made. Not a commercial piece, but made by a very talented seamstress. Armholes and neckline are bound and French seams are used on straight seams. You just don't see this type of construction anymore.
The fabric is a lovely cotton broadcloth with a good hand. The color is a robin's egg blue/green. Below a high yoke on front bodice is a 5” deep panel of hand smocking in lime green, pink, a toning blue/green and goldenrod. The skirt is very full and gathered. Sleeves are short and puffed with a pretty white lace edging. Collar is white cotton organdy; it has pointed edges front and back and the same edging as sleeves. Closure is in plain back bodice via three buttons and selling the wide sashes tie in a large bow in back.
Condition is very good. I did not notice until I had done the listing that there was a small, 1/8” stain within the smocking. It was treated three times with a mix of stain removers and soaked overnight twice. There is still the faintest shadow of the former stain and although I know where it is on the dress, I consistently miss it at first. (One can overboard on stains and end up weakening the fabric/stitches.) Otherwise the dress is all original and in wonderful condition. Size is a 2.
Shoulder to Shoulder: 9.25”
Armhole to Armhole: 12”
Length: 17”
Product code: Vintage 50’s Girl’s Handmade selling and Smocked Dress