Jane Austen fans are familiar with the high-waisted muslin dresses popular during her adulthood. How many are aware that machine-made net or gauze became a "hot" item from 1810 and on?
"Net dresses were very fashionable and their popularity was spurred by new inventions. The development of machine-made net in the late 18th and early 19th centuries meant that gauzy lace effects were increasingly affordable either as trimmings or garments.
From Jane Austen's World
ellaquinnauthor
So eloquent and beautiful. Look at the tiny waist and trimmings. Incredible. Thanks for sharing, Ella!
You’re welcome. The netting is just fantastic.
I was absolutely not aware of machine netting that early on. Thanks, Ella.
No, neither was I. The netting is just beautiful.
What material was the net made from? I didn’t remember that the netting came that early either. Are there period samples that have survived? These are the most interesting research topics.
I did some checking and it appears that originally, gold and silver thread was used as well as linen and silk.
So feminine. Dresses like that made women feel pretty. The netting is an interesting tidbit I didn’t know about.
Neither did I. I love the site it appeared on, but I’d re-bloged it and now that option has been removed.