The yellow chemise

The only record I have of this dress is from old letters written from Manchester College. It is vaguely starting to come back to me, but I'm pretty sure there is no photo. The chemise was a fairly short lived style, but I think it eased us into thinking about a shape that wasn't fitted waist and bust. I think this dress had two pieces, a straight skirt and a blouson top to about mid-hip with a scoop neckline with a collar.

April 8, 1958

Dear Family,

[other stuff about my sister Carol and me visiting at Easter]

Mother: If you look on page 102 of the April Mademoiselle I think you'll find a good idea for the chemise pattern. I still need an outfit I can wear for school, but that combination would be darling for good.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

April 17, 1958

Dear Ones,

I'm still waiting for my new sheath and chemise.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

April 21, 1958

Dear Ones,

I received my package and really went wild. I love the yellow chemise. That material is wonderful for spring skirts. Mom, could you get some more for 2 or 3 straight skirts--brown or green?

So it appears from these letters, Mom could create a dress or find a pattern from a picture in a magazine, and that, being 18 years old, I was very bossy and impatient! In less than 2 weeks, she found the magazine, the style, the fabric, made it and shipped it to my college in Indiana. And before she can catch her breath, I'm asking for more! Teen-agers!