Cotton yarn reached English towns in the early 1690s. Late seventeenth century travellers to the English countryside noted that amongs the objects fashioned by the local cotton hand-knitters were stockings, gloves waistcoats and petticoats. The finest knitted goods were sold by hosiers in stalls and shops.* This jacket was knitted in one piece in the round and was then slit down the front and edges hemmed. The shoulders are joined by casting off the front and back stitches together. Knitted in stocking stitch with bands of geometric patterning in plain and purl, and the false seam lines are knitted in. There are several similar jackets in museum collections, all with good late 17th century provenance, so it would seem that this one is of similar date.
The jumps and other costumes and textiles came from the attics of an English Manor house built in 1550 but without any indication of ownership or history. Provenance available.
The infants clothing collection will be sold together.
Hand knitted in two-ply creamy white cotton in a T shape, large scoop neck, the front opening, shoulder area, sleeve tops, cuffs, centre back and lower border all with a large X design border.
Cuff to cuff 16 1/2 in; 43 cm.
Shoulder to hem 9 in; 23 cm
Light brown patches overall, probably damp. Needs a conservator to give it a good wash! I can recommend one should you be interested.
* British Embroidery. Curious Works from the Seventeenth Century . Kathleen Epstein p 70
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