Casgliadau Arlein

Child’s white cotton stays, possibly with a thin layer of wool as padding. Made in three main pieces. A rectangular shaped bodice with two shoulder straps and two tapered ends to which the ties are attached. One end threads through a slit in the bodice beneath the proper left strap, the ties are then fastened to secure the stays.

The stays are quilted by hand in a regular diamond pattern with a space of approx 0.5cm between lines of stitching. The edges are bound in white cotton cut on the bias. The seam between the bodice and the tapered ends is reinforced with the binding on the reverse as is the slit. The ties are made from a plain weave white cotton.

This early 1900s quilted bodice belonged to a baby from Llanishen, Cardiff. At a time of limited health-care and high-rates of infant mortality, quilted bodices such as this one were worn by babies as chest protectors.