Simple white frocks like the Norland Frock: Child's Slip Gown, were the quintessential young child’s garment during the Georgian era. Both boys and girls wore these sweet gowns until they were reliably outhouse-trained, when boys would be “breeched,” or transitioned into bifurcated pant styles, while girls transitioned into gowns, similar in cut to adult gowns. For the latter half of the 18th century, the “slip” gown was the preferred style for younger children. It featured stitched bodice pleats, skirt tucks, and sometimes sleeve tucks: all of which allowed for growth alterations.
- The Norland Frock: Child's Slip Gown Pattern from Virgil's Fine Goods is suitable for 1760-1789 impressions, for young children up to US size 8. This lovely little gown is largely based on portraiture and sketches of young children from the 1760s through 1780s.
- Recommended Fabrics for the Norland Frock: Child's Slip Gown:
- Gown: light and midweight cottons, linens or silks, typically white or very light colors.
- Petticoat and Sash: light to heavyweight silks or cotton sateens are appropriate. Wide ribbons may be used for the sash instead of creating a sash of matching fabric to the petticoat.
- This Norland Frock: Child's Slip Gown pattern is a physical pattern that includes a 17 page Instruction Booklet + Fitting Guide, and 2 large paper printed pattern sheets.
