Sarah Woolman
18th Century Quaker Dress
Testimony of Simplicity, Quaker Dress in the 18th Century...
This outfit was inspired by the paintings and sketches of late 18th century members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). I grew up attending Meeting for Worship and Quaker schools and have always been drawn to the Testimony of Simplicity, the idea that a person’s life and character are more important than the quantity of goods they own or their monetary worth. Early Friends believed that it was important to avoid fanciness in dress, speech, and material possessions, because those things tend to distract one and cause a person to focus on themselves more than on their fellow human beings.
"Drab" Colored Linen Dress -- This two-piece gown is made from a greenish-brown linen. Bodice is fully lined with elbow sleeves and fastens in front. Petticoat fastens with narrow cotton tapes
Shift -- white cotton batiste with narrow elbow sleeves
Stays -- Fully boned, laced with spiral laced cotton cord, fastens at shoulders with hook and eyes
Petticoat -- White linen
Pockets -- White linen, red stitching
Cap and Neck Handkerchief --- white cotton batiste with narrow rolled hem
SOLD
