This group includes five shirtwaists from the Tasha Tudor Collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Tasha Tudor (née Starling Burgess, 1915-2008) was a writer and illustrator of children’s books, including Mother Goose and Corgiville Fair. The idyllic, 19th century world she painted in her books was the lifestyle she pursued: for much of her adult life Tudor lived on New England farms, weaving, tending to animals, baking bread, and collecting, mending, and wearing centuries-old clothing. 

For detailed biography, see Jeanette Chandler Knazek, “Tasha Tudor,” Tashatudorandfamily.com. 

THE FIRST
White cotton shirtwaist with pieced lace ribbon collar and upper bodice, pin tucked details, lace trimmed 3/4 sleeves, gathered center back waist with ties and button closure. 1900.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 1996-644

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 13"
Chest: 48"
Waist: 44"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 21.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 25.5"

THE SECOND
White cotton lawn shirtwaist with lace collar, pin tucked bib, puff capped long sleeves pieced with lace, gathered pieced lower bodice set with lace ribbons, and left side hook and eye closure. 1900. 
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 1996-645

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 11.5"
Chest: 40"
Waist: 38"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 24"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 29.25"

THE THIRD
White cotton shirtwaist with pin tucked shoulders, full sleeves with banded cuffs, embroidered front bodice inset with lace ribbon in a chevron pattern, gathered front waist, and center back button closure with tied waist cinch. 1900.
Label: Strawbridge & Clothier / Philadelphia
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 1996-649

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 16.25"
Chest: 47"
Waist: 29"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 20.25"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 32.5"

THE FOURTH
White linen and cotton shirtwaist with knotted chainstitch loop trimmed collar and sleeve hems, pin tuck darts at shoulders, front floral embroidery, and center back button closure, 1905.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 1996-650

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15"
Chest: 42.5"
Waist: 39.5"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 18.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 31.5"

THE FIFTH
White striped cotton shirtwaist with banded collar, full sleeves gathered into lace cuffs, pin tucked upper bodice with inset lace patches, pleated midsection, and left side button closure with cinched waist tie. 1890.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Accession No.: 1996-651

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 12"
Chest: 38"
Waist: 34"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 19"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 32.5"