fabric saving pratices
Recently I have had the opportunity to study a lovely silk, 1864 dress. There was a great deal of lace in flounces over the skirt. Under that portion was a cotton - very light weight - that had originally been the same color of the silk of the rest of the dress.
In other words, part of the skirt which was untrimmed, was silk. The trimmed (entirely covered with the lace); cotton had been used to possibly have adequate silk for the dress.
It was beautifully made, but economy had been an obvious necessity.
The construction had been both by machine and by hand.
Also interesting - the was no hem facing nor hem tape.
Let us all continue to study - and leave oursleves open to all the variations used and never say never.
Be well - sew often!
XO Nancy
- Date:
- February 18, 2012
- Comments:
- 0
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education is the key
Be aware of those who say - they would never have done that 'back then'. And all the other nay sayers.
Know you stuff and back up what you have learned.
Always take advantage of any avenue of research made available to you. And that applies to any era that you are drawn to - pieces that you hope to reproduce, or use in living history events.
There are many armchair *reviewers, critics, and etc. Therefore study and education is the best defense. Education is the key. Attend any and all exhibits & museums that you are able to. Research, research research and document everything. Notes, photos (when allowed) , and sketches are always invaluable.
Building trust and creditability with those individuals' and organizations who have these 'wonderful pieces of history' takes time. Always respect those who offer to allow you to examine extant pieces. Example: Photos are wonderful - but if the rule is no photos - respect the rule. When gloves are required, always happily comply.
Blessings
Nancy
lining variations
Further thougths on 19TH century extant clothing - one I have just completed a study of had interesting lining applications in the bodice. The front was flat lined, while the bodice back had no exposed seams allowances and everything was concealed. The point at which the two came together at the sidee seams, the back lining lapped over the other and was hand sewn with extremely tiny, neat hand whipping.