Part IV: The Verdict

I was unable to post for the past few days because our internet was down. So, I missed the "Pi Day" post that was planned for 3-14! I will do that one after I finish this series on the Vintage Suit or Dress. Today is the final garment from this lot. It is a button-on suit, so definitely for a boy.

It is the same peach color as one of the previous outfits. In the early part of the 20th century, it was common for boys to wear pink, peach, or even lavender. I shared a pink boy's suit here. Trims were much more frilly, with lace, tatting, and Swiss embroideries all common on boy's wear. Baby boys also wore dresses until they were 2 or 3 years old. In "Elegant Sewing for Baby", Martha Pullen says that pink and blue were used interchangeably for boys and girls until the 1940s. 

The previous outfits had a more "dress-like" top, but the pants were all button-on shorts, just like these. This type of pants were for boys. Girls "panties" had a different shape, fuller and often with a waistband. The white outfit with purple stitching even had a little "fly" on the pants. So, my verdict is that all 4 of these are boy's suits.
This suit is about a size 3, again wider than would seem necessary for its height. It has beautiful drawn-thread work on the front and the biggest mother-of-pearl buttons I've ever had.

 The collar and neck area is quite a complicated arrangement of buttons and snaps. This suit is in excellent condition and will be great to take vintage pictures of Andy. The peach fabric is the same broadcloth as the other outfits, but the collar is a very soft cotton with a satiny finish. I hope you enjoyed seeing these little boy's outfits!
I will be back soon with my "Pi Day" post!

Part III: Dress or Suit?

Today's little outfit is similar to the last 2. Tomorrow's is a bit different. Are you sick of these yet? I'll be glad to finish these posts and move on to something else. 

 Do you see the "Best & Co. New York" tag? This one is either white with purple stitching, or was originally lavender and faded. It has the same sleeve and hem treatments and a little bit of loose smocking.

It has cute owls on the pockets.

I think the last outfit will decide: boy or girl? I hope you enjoyed seeing the cute embroidery on these little antiques. I have been working on Andy's Easter romper and I love how it's turning out. I hope to have it ready to share soon!

Part II: Suit or Dress??

Well, I am just getting this posted in time to count for today, since we have the time change tonight. I am glad for it, because the sun will set later now! 

 Todays "Suit or Dress" is similar to yesterdays, but in a nice vintage peach color. Unfortunately, this had some brown spots on it when I got it. I treated all 4 outfits in Biz and then washed them. The spots came out in the wash, but so did the fabric! This little top is now peppered with tiny holes. I guess my best approach would be to find thread in the right color and make careful repairs? Do you have any other suggestions?

 This one has a bit of smocking on the front, but it's not English smocking, it's just slightly gathered. The collar and cuffs are the same slightly stiff linen, which ironed beautifully.

The shaped hem is also the same as the purple outfit, but this one has cross-stitched ducks on it.

The pants are exactly like the purple ones. They are not lined, as most button-on pants patterns today are made. They have flat-felled seams and interestingly, were sewn with white thread. They also need a "waist" with buttons to hold them up. This outfit is also a size 2-3. So what do you think now? So far, we are tied with 1 vote for girl, 1 for boy. Another outfit tomorrow...check back.