Day Dress c. 1857

The day dress that this pattern is derived from belonged to Elizabeth Ann Fullwood Aycock (c1828-1864). Born in Sumter District in South Carolina c.1828, Elizabeth Ann Fulwood was the daughter of William J. Fullwood and Lavinia Pringle. Elizabeth married James H. Aycock in 1855. The mother of three, Elizabeth died in 1864.

This pattern contains two graded versions of the bodice. The original dress was a maternity dress with a raised waistline in the front (center front length was 12 1/2"). In the second version the front bodice has been lengthened to the style of the late 1850's and is non-maternity. Both bodices have all the original details and styling. The original dress was hand sewn and show signs of alteration in the bodice, perhaps machine sewn.

This front opening day dress has full bishops sleeves which are hand pleated and back stitched at the shoulder and cuff. The bodice is lined and boned and closes with hooks and eyes on the lining; pleat detail at center front waist. The neck, arnscye, sleeve cuff and waist have piping. The skirt which is made of five panels is cartridge pleated into the bodice. The original fabric was a brown based stripe with reds and yellows which create a strong horizontal pattern.