This is a dress worn by my gr-gr-gr-grandmother, Irene Payne Peirce. She was the wife of a the Union General Ebenezer Peirce (who lost his arm in the Civil War - blown off by a cannonball. A great story by the way, if you ever care to ask me more :). We have no actual date of when she wore this dress, but looking at it I believe it's around the year 1870.

Irene must have been really tiny while in her 50s (which is when she wore the dress). The dress fit me perfectly, and I'm a 25" waist! She also must have been only a little over 5 feet, because the dress comes up past my ankles, and it should be worn just grazing the ground.

This was a dream come true for me. To actually handle a dress worn (we think she made it too!) by my ancestor, is so special to me. We also have a gorgeous embroidered black apron and a black quilted bonnet; both of which are handmade (and decaying, so we think they are older than the dress, probably from the 1840s).

It's been a beautiful dream to touch and wear these precious heirlooms. To make it even more special, the next time I find fabric very similar to the fabric on the dress, I'd like to make a reproduction for me to wear. It's my special way of honoring a very special woman (she kept a fascinating diary), and maybe my dress will be passed onto my gr-gr-gr-granddaughters, as something I made!

The "dream dress" lying on the bed.

The apron and bonnet (while I was still afraid to touch them, for fear that they would crumble in my hands :).

Me, actually wearing the "dream dress" (I'm standing in front of amy grandparent's antique spinning wheel and jug).

The back of the dress (it really would be worn with a slight bustle. Alas! I'm wanting cash! :)

Details of the cuff and pocket.

A close up shot of the fabric and buttons (some of the buttons are missing).

Rebekah wearing the dress and apron.

A detail of the embroidery on the apron.

Rebekah in the quilted bonnet (doesn't it look like she's going to a funeral :).

A side view.