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) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:45 -0700 > From: Lavolta Press <[email protected]> > To: Historical Costume <[email protected]> > Subject: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic > Message-ID: <[email protected]> > 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 > > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > h-costume mailing list > [email protected] > http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume > > > End of h-costume Digest, Vol 12, Issue 61 > ***************************************** _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
