SEWING FOR CHARITY: WOMEN’S SEWING SOCIETIES
The Fragment Society, one of the earliest sewing societies in America, was founded in 1816 to make clothing and linens for Boston’s urban poor. It continues today, mostly purchasing children’s clothing and infants’ layettes; but each layette includes a hand-made garment to continue their 200-year tradition.
Baby’s “Saque” gown, cotton, unknown maker, 1880-1900
Infant’s knitted sweater, acrylic, made by Cynthia Chapman, 2023.
Lent by the Fragment Society