The answer may lie in an early Georgian provincial lady’s gown in Blandford Fashion Museum. It was installed in front of an audience at the Museum. Altered in accordance with fashion at the time, the front is from1812 with alterations. For “Lucy” there are slits each side to allow access to waist tied ‘pockets’, small, often, embroidered, drawstring bags. Keys, sewing materials, handkerchiefs and coins needed to be transported to keep them safe. Of brown cotton, the dress is decorated with Dorset buttons. Come and see the new arrival until Saturday 12th December.

http://blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk/home/