Published from 1888 to 1993, the Sears catalog featured everything from clothes, and sporting goods to cars, houses, and livestock.
Creative Sewing Desks I share some creative sewing desk, sewing tables, sewing machine desks, and sewing machine tables. #sewing #sewingmachine This also includes desks made from old sewing machine desks or sewing machine cabinets.
Note: In order to keep my promise of creating a straw braid tutorial in a timely manner (actually not so timely), I'm issuing this post in ...
Modern research in 16th c. European fashion has made some really fantastic leaps forward over the past few years - including the fundamental issue of what foundation garments were. Older research leaned towards heavily boned corsets/pairs of bodies throughout the 16th c., but modern interpretations are leaning far more towards supportive, minimally or unboned garments called "petticoat bodies". After experimenting with this, it definitely looks like a more appropriate silhouette. Other folks
When posting about my new 1913s dress on the HSF page, I got lots of positive feedback and many ladies asked for the pattern. So I decided to to share it. You must keep in mind I’m no commerc…
The Victorians had a seam for every purpose! Learn how to make 34 historical types of seams. For historical costumes and modern clothing.
When posting about my new 1913s dress on the HSF page, I got lots of positive feedback and many ladies asked for the pattern. So I decided to to share it. You must keep in mind I’m no commerc…
"Land of the Hunter...and the Hunted!" Jungle thrillers had long been a staple at every Hollywood studio. As far back as 1921 literary ...
I have yet again been slow to post projects. I am currently spending most of my time working and stressing over my thesis, which is due far too soon for my liking. This year has gone very fast. Two weeks ago I finally started work on my green drawn bonnet that I had been planning for well over a year. The Historical Sewing Fortnight Challenge #21 Green gave me my final motivation. As I had been thinking about this for a long time I had collected a lot of inspiration on my pintrest board. My main inspiration came from the following two bonnets. I loved the ruffle over the brim of the poke and the bow with the biased edges and lace of the capote bonnet. Poke Bonnet circa 1860 at the MET Museum Woman's Capote Bonnet circa 1857 LACMA Collections This was an interesting project as I kept changing my mind over the design and construction methods. In the end I settled on making only this back drawn over a set form. I figured that it would be very easy to go over the top, and with the colour choice being so vivid it may not be the best. So I reined in my imagination and chose a few features that I really loved. I also noticed when researching that there are not many blog posts that detail how people construct their bonnets. From personal experience of trial and error, workshops and reading heaps I have found there are many ways to construct bonnets and I really still do not know if there is a 'correct' or 'only way'. With my time limitations at the moment I decided to take a few short cuts that I have not previously taken. Sorry about the bad photo, I did not notice till later that I had it pinned on crooked. Also my head form is very small... my head is a lot larger. To begin with I used some buckram from my stash and created a form from the pattern I used for my wedding bonnet. It is not as high at the top as some and has a distinct joining from the back to the brim. I fount that this pattern suited me. It is more of a shape for the late 1850s and early 1860s and would probably be outdated by 1862, depending on how fashionable you are feeling. The shapes were hand whipped to millinery wire beginning at the back and working forwards. Some of my friends hate this part, but I find it is a very enjoyable way to spend the evening on the couch while watching TV. Once the shape was formed and looked correct, I covered it with a layer of quilters cotton batting. This I also whipped stitched on. I then started to work on covering the bonnet. I always cut about an inch seam allowance over the shape pattern as with bonnets it is best to be safe rather than sorry. Especially as I usually use small scraps of silk in my bonnets. The green silk is attached using tacking. I do not worry about it too much as it will be stitched tighter in the next stage. I then had to work out how much fabric would be required to cover the bonnet in the drawn style. Thankfully I had a lot of advice, a pattern from an original from a friends collection to work with. So I had a heads up on how much to approximate. My drawn pattern piece What I did, however, was trace the pattern piece using cheap baking paper (95 cents a roll). I then measure the diameter of the cane (in this case it was just under half an inch, bout 1.2 Cm's... always be generous... sorry I didn't keep my exact measurements. I suggest wrapping some string around the cane then measuring with a ruler). I worked out how many times I wanted to draw it over cane (so I multiplied the diameter by number of canes to be used) then added extra fabric for spare. When fabric is drawn it needs a little extra give or it pulls too tight. I also needed to add in the seam allowances that are not included on the pattern. Then I needed to work out how much to add to the width for the gathers... this I estimated by gathering a bit of the waste fabric to 1 inch then work out the difference. I then cut my backing paper pattern at each 1 inch point and added the extra measurement. Complicated to explain, but easy visually to work it out and do (for me). Next I had to draw the fabric over the cane. I cheated at first, using my machine with the piping foot. This is a very fast method, but does become more difficult as you add extra canes. By the time I reached cane number 5 I gave up and decided to finish it by hand using a simple running stitch. Next was the hard part. This is because cane is not overly flexible and can break... which can cause issues. I suggest soaking the drawn cane with a spray bottle when pinned onto the bonnet and leave till dry. This is because you cannot shift the gathers when the silk is wet... it grips the cane too much. Also once the cane changes shape to fit and curve better they will have to be moved and adjusted into place again. I have tried using easier methods such as piping cord and thin rope in the past but it is had to get the clean gather lines that the cane provides. The cane also makes the bonnet very strong. I gathered the silk along the cane and cut the cane till it reached the spot I wanted. I then put a pin through it to hold it into place until I had hand stitched it down. I also stitched through the cane to ensure it was stable and did not move. Cane is a soft wood and not that hard to sew through, but I do advice putting your needle in emery as you go so that it does not become blunted too much. I folded about half an inch of fabric under the cane as a seam allowance. This shows how the needed went into the cane to stabilise its position. One side complete It is also important to sew along each cane to set its position. Next comes the covering of the brim. I always start at one side and work my way around. I also add a lot of fabric to the pattern to ensure that the fabric goes over the brim and has enough length to pull down into the front as a one piece covering. This is all hand sewn using small whip stitches. I also have gathering stitches along the inside to draw it into a nice gather. I fully attach it from the outside first. Sometimes I will make the outside part gathered, but for this design I kept it flat and fitted. I then pull the gathers in tight and pin prick stitch into place along the outside seam line. I kept the cover of the brim plain as I had made a ruffle. I measured how wide I wanted it, then I sewed it into a tube and piped it with the tube seam about 1/4 inch next to the cane on the under side to hide it. I then attached it to the bonnet the same as previously. I did consider putting two on, but I chose to be restrained. Then it was time for the bavolett. This was simply cut from my pattern with a little extra added. It has net on the underside and the edge is bias taped using home made silk bias. I then sewed it into place and gathered it at the top. As I wanted this to be a very special bonnet I decided to line it. I really have never done this before as I do not see he need. I used some scrap ivory silk and whipped it at the top into place and then made a tube on the inside that could be drawn with ribbon. Sorry my brain is a little fried on my thesis... so my technical language is dead. The only advice I will suggest is making sure that in lining you have enough fabric that it pushes out and does not cut into the space inside the bonnet, so your hair will still fit. When decorating my bonnets I try lots to get it just right. I normally place flowers, pin them into place, photograph them then take them off to sew. I also cut off any plastic and wind up any wires so they don't scratch my head.For this bonnet I also tacked on some lace using a curved needle. This means that the lace is only attached to the silk and not the frame. I also chose not to put flowers on the outside of the bonnet. I also always like to check the fit before finalising my design... always careful of pins though. To finish I decided not to use ribbons but make them from the left over silk to create a perfect match. I always draw a template on paper for this. I have done this as I plan to do more to this bonnet later. Due to time I wont be able to finish it fully until next year. I have the bow from the example above half made. I hope that in the holidays I will be able to use some ivory cotton to crochet lace directly onto the bow and maybe even onto the ribbons for tying it up. But for now I love it and cant wait to wear it to the events I have coming up in the next few weeks. It will look stunning with my matching apple green shawl. The Challenge 21# Green Fabric: Green Silk Notions: Cane, Buckram, Cotton Thread, Ivory Cotton Lace, Flowers, Millinery Wire Pattern: From Wendy Tonzing, The Undertailor Year: 1858-1861 How historically accurate is it? I think it should be fairly accurate, I did cut some corners with the sewing machine, the buckram is not the same as the period type, the red flowers also have plastic stalks... depends on how picky I choose to be really. Hours to complete: about 18, but I had company for most First worn: Still awaiting that moment Total cost: Most came from my stash, but I did need to purchase new wire, which I used to make 3 frames at $10 a roll. Its always hard to price stuff that you payed for a long time ago... I would guess about $80 all up.
When posting about my new 1913s dress on the HSF page, I got lots of positive feedback and many ladies asked for the pattern. So I decided to to share it. You must keep in mind I’m no commerc…
Sewing machines date back to 1830 when Barthelemy Thimonnier patented the first practical sewing machine. However, the first double-thread sewing machine, which is far more similar to today's sewing machines and would have featured a version of the hook race used today, came from inventor Walter Hunt in 1834.
Have you ever heard of nun’s cloth or nun’s veiling? Neither did I! I’m fascinated when I find information like this. It’s like discovering that last marshmallow at the bottom of a box of Lucky Charms when you thought none
Buy This Pattern for a Simple but Beautiful Medieval Man's Gown! Get our full-size paper pattern for the Greenland Tunic Type 2, a garment found in Greenland and carbon dated from 1280 to 1400. Although found on the edges of Europe, men's gowns of this type can be seen in period paintings as far away as Italy. Fits chests 34"-54". All Sizes in one envelope. Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History. Suggested Fabrics: plain or twill weave wool Yardage Requirements: 5 yds at least 60" wide or 6 yards 45" wide Notions: thread
Willi Smith designed these precious separates back in the 1970's The blouse can be made with long or cap raglan sleeves. The flared mid-knee wrap skirt ties on the side with self-ties. The wide, flare leg slacks have front pleats and a side opening with ties. The pattern and instructions are in pristine condition. The original envelope was too far gone, and I have reconstructed one with a white catalog pouch and with images of the original front and back. If you like the fashions of the '70's this is your ticket to living out your imagination! Misses' Size 12 *** Shipping is by USPS Mail with delivery confirmation. I ship my patterns bubble wrapped and within a substantial white or Kraft catalog envelope so they will get to you in excellent condition. *** Please convo me with any questions, I’m always happy to help! Thanks for coming by and taking a proverbial stroll through my online store. Please come back often as I have plenty of fabulous items to list.
Women’s clothing is currently somewhat of a hot button issue thanks to Presidents Trumps suggestion that his female staffers ensure that when they attend work they ‘dress like a wo…
A while back, a reader introduced me to the company of Grevi, who has been making hats outside of Florence, alongside the Arno, since the the late 19th century. I love these archival photographs from their original factory in Signa, Italy. Before the Great Depression, their company made only two hats, a boater known as the Leghorn and […]
Well, Halloween, ComicCon, WorldCon and the Steampunk World's Fair aren't as far away as they used to be, so it’s time to get working on that costume now! This is a SEWING PATTERN! Not a completed dress! Also please read the pattern back carefully and compare your measurements to the pattern sizing! Every pattern maker's sizing can be different! Don't 'assume' your pattern size and order the wrong sizing - check the pattern back sizing details before ordering! Butterick's latest Edwardian fashion pattern is a new 1910's era Misses Empire-Waist Dress, Jacket & Headband in their Making History series. This is perfect for Downtown Abbey or Titanic themed costumes! Now Out of Print MISSES' COSTUME: Loose-fitting, unlined jacket has pleated front and knot, and hook, eye and snap closing. Dress has semi-fitted, underlined, lined, boned bodice, raised waist, inside belt, bias drape variations, and back placket, hook & eye closing. B and C: Overskirt. C: Bias flower and leaf. D: Skirt back extends into train, wrong side shows. C and D: Appliques. Bias head band has pleats. Purchased trim for B, D, flowers D, E, and trim and head band for F. FABRICS: B, C, D: Crepe, Faille, Silk, Satin. A, E, Contrast B, D: Mesh, Wire-edged Mesh. Contrast 1 C: Galloon Lace. Underlining B, C, D: Batiste. Lining B, C, D: Lining Fabric, Silk. Stabilizer C: Tulle. *With Nap. **Without Nap. Unsuitable for obvious diagonals. NOTIONS: A: Two Hooks & Eyes, Two Snaps. B, C, D: 13/8 yds. of 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Thirteen Hooks & Eyes, 1 yd. Boning, One Hook & Eye Closure. B: 7/8 yd. of 7" Single Scalloped Edge Lace Trim. [Optional] Pearls, Sequins, Beads, Small Pearls. [Optional] Fishing Line (if not using wire-edged mesh for overskirt). C: 21/4 yds. of 1/2" Flexible Braid. D: 1/2 yd. of Lace Trim, 1/2 yd. of 1/2" Flexible Braid, Three Purchased Flowers - Assorted Sizes 3/4" - 11/2". E: Six Purchased Flowers - Assorted Sizes 3/4" - 11/2". F: One Metal Tiara Headband Frame with Three Bands, 11/2 yds. of 1/2" Flexible Braid. Two Size Options/Variations available: Size A5 - Sizes: 6 - 8 - 10 - 12 - 14 (USA Small - Large) Size E5 - Sizes: 14 - 16 - 18 - 20 - 22 (USA Large - 3XL?) New and Uncut ***************** Reminder: You are buying a SEWING PATTERN – NOT a completed garment! Also does not come with fabric or ANY other notions necessary to sew this garment!!! All sewing patterns are NEW or As-New, unopened and unused, complete with instructions... but can (especially OOP patterns) have normal minor cosmetic imperfections to the envelope, such as store ink or pen markings, folds, wrinkles & tears or signs of age. As originally purchased from manufacturer. Stored with care in a smoke-free household Photos and scanned images are illustrative to provide the buyer with the most detail and creative ideas possible for this pattern – in some instances some or all pictures were not taken by me. If I have used a copyrighted image in error, let me know and I'll either provide appropriate credit or remove it. ************************** Check our other auctions and our new eBay store to see all of our other Historical Victorian/Edwardian, Fantasy, Gothic and Steampunk and other Costume sewing patterns! Overseas buyers welcome! We don't cross-post every item we sell also on eBay UK, so please check our eBay Store to see all of the books, sewing patterns and other items available this week (Historical or Fantasy Costumes/Cosplay/Gothic/Steampunk or Vintage Fashion). Also please visit our new store on Etsy! ~ ~ ~ Rules of the Road: · We’ve been buying and selling on eBay for over twenty years now… but this is a hobby, we are not professionals. If there is a problem – LET US KNOW ASAP and we will try to resolve the situation to everyone’s satisfaction · We try to take multiple detail photos of items to improve the buyer’s appraisal of the item and carefully describe items to the best of our ability. Email us if you have any questions before you bid! · Yes, we will happily do combined shipping of multiple purchased items for significant savings - upon request. · Items are normally shipped out for US buyers via online eBay/USPS First Class Mail and without shipping insurance or delivery confirmation, unless the buyer requests otherwise. This way we can avoid those insane shipping charges that a lot of eBay sellers tack on to your purchase! · International buyers can track shipment via their Customs online tracking number, but remember a delay in customs of up to a FULL MONTH is possible - and entirely and completely beyond my control! Concerning Returns... For many years, we had a 14-Day return policy... and almost never had any problems. Now, eBay is trying to force sellers to move to a 30-Day return policy... and our problems have since skyrocketed, as some buyers now briefly 'rent' a new item and return it as used... or return a completely different item instead. So, reluctantly... we now decline most returns - except in these specific circumstances: Item arrives broken/defective due to USPS malfeasance Incorrect item received or not as described - hopefully this should NEVER happen Buyer's remorse is not an acceptable reason for requesting a return/refund! Why the ten-day shipping/handling delay on the Estimated Delivery date? I have a screwy work schedule and sometimes have to make sudden out of town trips or work crazy hours six or seven days a week. This unfortunately means that while usually I can mail out your item within a few days, sometimes it will be slower - up to a full week or occasionally even longer. Our local post office also has extremely limited hours and is rarely prompt after receiving packages – they can sit there, untouched, sometimes for 2-3 days before going to the USPS distribution center. My usual eBay mailing days are on Monday & Tuesday Send me a separate email via Contact Seller if you require expedited shipping! USPS has recently raised its US and Overseas mail shipping rates again… and significantly. Also, for some reason using online postage it costs me exactly as much to mail to Canada as anywhere else in the world! [Start Your 30-Day Free Trial Now] Track Page Views With Auctiva's FREE Counter
When posting about my new 1913s dress on the HSF page, I got lots of positive feedback and many ladies asked for the pattern. So I decided to to share it. You must keep in mind I’m no commerc…
Lately I have been working on a couple of different projects, some are big som are small... And while I am working on the more complicated stuff, I will post a little something for all you needleworkers who are reading this blog :-) I have made some thread reels based on a finding from London. They aren't exact replicat, they are meerly inspired by the look of the original. The original can be seen in the book: "The medieval household" The thread reels I made have been turned on an electrical lathe and are all made from elderberry wood (Sambucus nigra). Elderberry wood is very hard, despite the fact that elderberry is a quite fast growing tree. The grain is also very uniform and therfore, well suited for turning on a lathe. The threadreel on the far right is a leg bone from a lamb. I have been using this for a long time and I think it has a very practical feel to it :-) There are findings of this type of threadreels too, but unfortunately I don't have any pictures of it.
One of the most characteristic things about regency dresses is the patterning of the back. Specifically, a very narrow back panel at the bottom, sleeves set far back and shoulder seams behind the s…
This is a SEWING PATTERN! Not a completed garment! Also please read the pattern back carefully and compare your measurements to the pattern sizing! Every pattern maker's sizing can be different! Don't 'assume' your pattern size and order the wrong item! This pattern is now OUT OF PRINT B6337 - Notch-Collar Jackets and Floor-Length Skirts From the Making History Collection Late Edwardian/George V era loose-fitting, lined jacket has notched collar, shoulder pads, princess seams, and two-piece sleeves with cuffs and button trim. B: Side pockets, contrast collar and attached front button belt with back button trim. Very loose-fitting, floor-length skirt has waistband, front pleats and side zipper. From Butterick's Making History series. This is perfect for 1910-20's period costumes, such as an English Lady's city or country outfit for Downtown Abbey, Titanic, Mary Poppins, Nanny McPhee, or My Fair Lady themed costumes! FABRICS: Wool/Wool Blends, Men's Suitings. Also Contrast A, 1B: Corduroy, Velvet/Velveteen. Contrast 2B: Cotton/Cotton Blends. Lining: Lining Fabric. Interfacing: Sew in. *With Nap.**Without Nap. Unsuitable for obvious diagonals. NOTIONS: A, B: One 11/4" Covered Button, One Pair of Shoulder Pads, One 1/2" Clear Button, One 7" Zipper, 2 Hook & Eye, 15/8 yds. of 1/2" of Seam Tape. A: Four 7/8" Covered Buttons. B: Six 7/8" Covered Buttons, Embroidery Floss, Embroidery Needle. Two Size Options/Variations available: Size A5 - Sizes: 6 - 8 - 10 - 12 - 14 (USA Small - Large) Size E5 - Sizes: 14 - 16 - 18 - 20 - 22 (USA Large - XL) New and Uncut Original Retail Price: $19.95 ***************** Tired of sellers that can’t be bothered to take the time to write a proper and CORRECT item description and provide detail photographs of their items? Check my store and feel secure knowing that the item you buy from me will arrive “As Described”! · Reminder: You are buying a SEWING PATTERN – NOT a completed garment! Also does not come with fabric or ANY other notions necessary to sew this garment!!! · All sewing patterns are NEW or As-New – Uncut & unused, complete with instructions... but can (especially OOP patterns) have normal minor cosmetic imperfections to the envelope, such as store ink or pen markings, folds, wrinkles & tears or signs of age. As originally purchased from manufacturer. Stored with care in a smoke-free household. · Vintage Out-of-Print (OOP) patterns, depending upon their age and rarity, may have more moderate to significant defects or imperfections to the envelope. Including retail ink marks on envelope, tears and partial losses (like missing envelope flaps), but are complete and Uncut – unless specifically stated otherwise. ~ ~ ~ Check our other auctions and our new eBay store to see all of our other Victorian/Edwardian, Fantasy, Cosplay, Gothic and Steampunk and other Costume sewing patterns! Overseas buyers welcome! Please check our eBay Store to see all of the sewing patterns and other items available this week. We don't cross-post every item we sell also on eBay UK or Auz, but we will be happy to internationally ship any pattern that we sell! Every year, USPS raises its domestic and overseas mail shipping rates again, and significantly – My Overseas package mailing cost for a pattern to Europe just increased by about an additional $4. I’m not happy about this either, but I have discounted combined shipping for multiple purchases! Also using online postage it costs me almost as much to mail to Canada as anywhere else in the world! Reminder: it costs the same postage to ship three patterns internationally for the cost of just one! ~ ~ ~ Rules of the Road: · We’ve been buying and selling on eBay for over twenty years now but this is a hobby, we are not professionals. If there is a problem – LET US KNOW ASAP and we will try to resolve the situation to everyone’s satisfaction. · We try to take multiple detail photos of items to improve the buyer’s appraisal of the item and describe items to the best of our ability. Email us if you have any questions before you bid! o Photos and scanned images are illustrative to provide the buyer with the most detail and creative ideas possible for this pattern – in some instances, some or all pictures were not taken by me. I assume any pattern images found via Google are either ‘Fair Use’ or in the public domain. If I have used a copyrighted image in error, let me know and I'll either provide appropriate credit or remove it. · Yes, we will happily do combined shipping of multiple purchased items for significant savings - upon request. eBay should automatically calculate a combined shipping discount, but contact us if it doesn’t · In order to reduce as much as possible, the shipping costs to the buyer, our items are normally shipped out for US buyers via online eBay/USPS First Class Mail and without insurance, unless the buyer requests otherwise. International buyers can track shipment via their Customs online tracking number, but remember a delay in customs of up to a FULL MONTH is possible - and entirely and completely beyond my control! Customs fees are also the sole personal responsibility of the buyer!! · Returns cheerfully accepted within two weeks of receipt only if we have made a serious mistake with the description (pattern noted as being uncut was actually cut - or instructions were missing). Refund amount to only include the original purchase + shipping cost, not return postage. · Buyer’s remorse is not an acceptable reason to request a refund! Note: I have a screwy work schedule and sometimes have to make sudden out of town trips or work crazy hours six or seven days a week. This unfortunately means that while sometimes I can mail out your pattern within a few days, usually it will be slower - up to a week or occasionally even longer. I am also usually unable to get to our post office more than once a week My current usual mailing days are Monday & Tuesday. I also can only check store email a couple of times a week, at best. Send me a separate email via Contact Seller if you require expedited shipping!
Before I get into the actual review, I have to admit how insanely rare it is for me to go into a theater and see a movie these days. When I have the option of waiting until DVD / cable / Netflix vs…
Cover-title
1916 coat. This is an awfully plain pattern, unspecific pattern, but it was apparently the only working 1916 pattern I've run across so far so I've included it here.
In making my Frou Frou Francaise, I knew I wanted extremely lush, frilly, lace engageantes. It matches the overall aesthetic of the dress, and is by far the most common type of engageantes represented in artworks featuring francaise in the 1750s & 60s.
For Pennsic this year I packed seven smocks for myself -- some call them chemises or white linen underdresses, the German might say unterhemd (underdress) or Wäsche (the wash). My smocks are in a variety of styles and weights of linen, all worn before with success and all in good repair. Did I wear all seven over the course of the event? No. To my surprise I discovered I far and away preferred...
You would think that we get white winters in Sweden regularily, right? Not where I live, which is in the city of Gothenburg, situated on the Swedish west coast. It is characterised by humid, mild, …
Explore carbonated's 13066 photos on Flickr!
Downloadable patterns for 1730s through 1760s Lady's Riding Outfit also worn when traveling. Coat with regular or mariner's cuffs, back waist seam or seamless back, fold-down collar or collarless, and petticote instructions included. Fits busts 30½"-48" and waists 23"-41". All sizes come in the downloadable file. Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you’ve come to expect from Reconstructing History. Your purchase delivers as a PDF download. Just open and print on your home computer. (Full size print shop versions available upon request.) Suggested Fabrics: wool or silk lightweight silk or linen for lining medium to heavy linen for interlining Yardage Requirements: Jacket 2 yds 60" or 3 yds 45" wide lining 2 yds 60" or 3 yds 45" wide interlining 2 yds 60" or 3 yds 45" wide Petticote 2-3 yds 60" or 3 yds 45" wide lining 2-3 yds 60" or 3 yds 45" wide Notions: thread braid, lace or cording to taste up to 30 buttons for front, side, cuffs & pockets buttonhole floss twill tape or other narrow ware for waistband(s) Let us help you! At Reconstructing History, we want to see you wearing the best garments you are capable of making. Email us at info [!at] reconstructinghistory.com and we will answer any questions you might have.
April / March 2021 "Virginia Woolf told us all that to create we need a room of our own. Recently, our homes have taken on greater significance in our lives far beyond simply providing shelter and a space for eating and sleeping. They have kept us safe, provided a place for work of all sorts, and have been a place for creative expression. In this issue, we reflect on the home as a place where we can simply do as we please and develop our creativity. There is no better expression of artistic originality than the beautifully decorated interior of Charleston farmhouse in Sussex, where Woolf’s sister Vanessa Bell and the painter Duncan Grant made their home more than a hundred years ago. The house welcomed a circle of artists, writers and thinkers of the day and its interior has inspired ever since. The house also formed the backdrop for our decadent party shoot Bohemian Rhapsody by Yuval Hen.With a nod to the Bloomsbury group, who covered every surface Charleston’s interiors with pattern and colour, we will examine every surface of the home. We look at hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, which was considered the height of fashion in 18th century England, and thanks to its beauty still enchants. We also travel the world to enjoy the magic of carpets, which can be used so effectively as the foundation of a room, and explore the history of splendid silk dressing gowns.So, as we spend more time in our homes, the traditional workplace for textiles, we also consider how the cottage industries that flourished before the industrial revolution are resonating with today's designer-makers. During a difficult winter surrounding ourselves with textiles, whether that is a daily ritual of knitting, quilting, darning, or simply folding the laundry, has calmed our spirits. And as we reach the finale of our Winter of Making, we can look back with contentment at new skills learned, some beloved cashmere socks repaired, and finally anticipate the spring." Polly Leonard, Founder & Editor of Selvedge Magazine
Format: Photograph Find more detailed information about this photographic collection: acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/item/itemDetailPaged.aspx?itemID=153762 Search for more great images in the State Library's collections: acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/search/SimpleSearch.aspx From the collection of the State Library of New South Wales www.sl.nsw.gov.au
