I've been a vintage clothing collector since I was 16. I've always worn
items from my collection. I've always altered them for size, and in any
and every other way I felt like. Lately, I have been been buying a lot
of chemises and petticoats to dye and alter, transforming embroidered
linens into clothes, and so on.
When I was five, my parents bought a house that was built in 1860 and
pristine, untouched, except for paint jobs (still in the original colors
of white with green shutters). I am one of the few members of my
generation with an intimate knowledge of what it's like to plunk my
bottom on an icy privy seat in the middle of winter. Believe me, that
house was vastly improved by the installation of modern central heating
and plumbing. Termite extermination was nice too. Oh, and a covered
well with an electric pump? And a septic tank? Definitely.
No doubt, if the house had been a museum, there might have been
regulations against changing it. But it was a private residence.
Likewise, the clothing I buy is mine, not part of a museum. I am
entitled to do whatever I want with it, have always done so, and will
continue to do so. Obviously, if you have a clothing collection you may
do whatever you wish with your own property--just as I do.
Fran
Lavolta Press
Books on historic clothing
www.lavoltapress.com
On 3/29/2013 1:25 PM, . . wrote:
I am HORRIFIED at the idea of using an antique piece of our cultural history as
something to wear; let alone cut it and dye it! Would you buy a slightly
rundown Victorian house and tear it up to sell off the pieces and remake it
into a modern home? Of course not! Most countries now have regulations to
protect these homes as part of our cultural heritage. It's sad that we do not
have similar laws to protect against the destruction of antiquities as is being
described here. I'm completly revolted at the idea of tearing up a garmet that
is not shreaded, not in rags, just to make a t-tunic? You can make a t-tunic
out of good old linen for far less than $40 if watch for coupons and stash
reduction sales. There is no reason whatsoever to destroy a piece of history
just to get something to wear.
-Isabella
Today's Topics:
1. Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
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Message: 1
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:45 -0700
From: Lavolta Press <f...@lavoltapress.com>
To: Historical Costume <h-cost...@indra.com>
Subject: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic
Message-ID: <5154cb9d.8050...@lavoltapress.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Really easy way to get a handsewn T-tunic: Buy one of the heavy French
linen chemises regularly sold by sellers on Etsy. They are sometimes
labeled as nightgowns, sometimes labeled as hemp (maybe they are, but I
suspect poor translation), sometimes labeled as "metis" (apparently a
linen/cotton blend), sometimes labeled as handwoven which I don't think
they are, but they *are* often (not always) completely hand sewn. They
are sometimes labeled as Regency or Georgian but the tradition cut hung
on and most are likely late 19th or early 20th century. The necklines
tend to be round or square, but not V. Sometimes there is a front slit,
sometimes not. Some have sleeves, some are sleeveless. Prices vary, but
are often reasonable (especially for a hand sewn garment in good
condition). I recently bought a lot of four for $40 on eBay.
Here is one:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/127568458/french-nightgown-thick-rustic-metis?ref=sr_gallery_41&ga_search_query=chemise&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_order=date_desc&ga_page=0&ga_search_type=vintage
There are enough of these regularly for sale (especially on Etsy) from
different vendors, and all apparently French, that I suspect some kind
of common institutional use, boarding schools or convents or hospitals,
perhaps. These chemises are practically bulletproof. They are always in
great condition in my experience, and they machine dye beautifully in
Procion dyes. I personally think wearing one either as an undergarment
crammed under a corset (which was usual for chemises at the time they
were made), or as a nightgown over bare skin, would be uncomfortable.
Apparently, at the time these were made plenty of French women
disagreed. These are, however, great worn as dresses or tunics over
another garment. You can decorate them with braid, embroidery, what you
fancy. You will probably need to add a piece to enlarge the sleeves.
Fran
Lavolta Press
Books on making historic clothing
www.lavoltapress.com
www.facebook.com/LavoltaPress
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End of h-costume Digest, Vol 12, Issue 61
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