Quaker Baby Shirt c. 1937

This is a study of a Quaker Baby Shirt by Lillian Causey. Though undated, the image gives us clues about the garment itself. The shirt is rendered in delicate tones of white, cream, and gray, seemingly made of linen, or perhaps cotton. We can assume the shirt was produced by hand, likely by the baby’s mother or another female relative. The sleeves are particularly noteworthy, with their delicate gathers terminating in frilled cuffs, each carefully stitched. The shirt speaks of a time before mass-produced clothing, when garments were made with care and attention to detail. This garment represents the intimacy of domestic labor and the connection between maker and wearer. More than just clothing, it tells us a story about the values, labor, and skill invested in creating a simple yet meaningful garment. It’s a reminder that even the most ordinary objects can be imbued with extraordinary significance.