My wrapper is made of a reproduction cotton purchased from a local quilt shop. Unlike most of my mid-19th century clothing, I used a commercial pattern for this, the Kay Fig Wrapper Pattern. The only thing I changed was shortening the sleeves after after a cutting error! I can't recall now if I added the two patch pockets or if they were part of the pattern.
A word on wrappers: Wrappers were worn as a state of "undress" in the mid 19th century. They could be worn, as seen here, over a full complement of underpinnings, such as when a woman came to breakfast in the morning. Wrappers were not seen outside of the home. Please see my Mid 19th Century Women's Clothing Guidelines for further information on wrappers.
After 4 years of wearing my wrapper, I finally got around to finishing and trimming it in the fall of 2009. For trim along the center front and hem, and for the collar, I used leftover green cotton scraps from my 1847 Polk Party Outfit. I also closed the center front with white china buttons. If I get around too revamping this wrapper for a third time, I will be changing the buttons to fabric covered out of the main, brown material.
Finola approves!
