Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
I fail to see how it's any of your business. Fran On 3/29/2013 10:45 PM, Marjorie Wilser wrote: Dear Isabella, Likewise. I am sure. Brava! for saying so out loud. == Marjorie Wilser On Mar 29, 2013, at 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 ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Fran, at this point I think you are just being downright rude. Someone said something you disagree with and instead of being open to a discussion about preservation vs. use you are just telling us all to go away. So, please either contribute while respecting the opinions of others or stop posting on the subject. Maggie Koenig Sent from my iPhone On Mar 30, 2013, at 2:35 AM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.com wrote: I fail to see how it's any of your business. Fran On 3/29/2013 10:45 PM, Marjorie Wilser wrote: Dear Isabella, Likewise. I am sure. Brava! for saying so out loud. == Marjorie Wilser On Mar 29, 2013, at 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 ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Fran and I don't always see eye to eye. But I have to agree with her on this one. Sounds like these tunics/shifts, which started the discussion, exist in great numbers. Let us hope someone, somewhere, has saved a couple, along with their provenance (if they were indeed worn at institutions, or whatever). For the rest, well, we can't save EVERYTHING. If we did, we would be covered with mountains of stuff. Museums run out of storage space eventually, you know. Even the National Museum of American History (aka America's Attic), is getting extremely selective about what they will collect. They just don't have room for everything everyone wants to give them. And as to Fran's being rude, well, some of you gave her a pretty hard time, too. Ann Wass -Original Message- From: Maggie Koenig hhalb94...@aol.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Sat, Mar 30, 2013 7:24 am Subject: Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press) Fran, at this point I think you are just being downright rude. Someone said something you disagree with and instead of being open to a discussion about preservation vs. use you are just telling us all to go away. So, please either contribute while respecting the opinions of others or stop posting on the subject. Maggie Koenig Sent from my iPhone On Mar 30, 2013, at 2:35 AM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.com wrote: I fail to see how it's any of your business. Fran On 3/29/2013 10:45 PM, Marjorie Wilser wrote: Dear Isabella, Likewise. I am sure. Brava! for saying so out loud. == Marjorie Wilser On Mar 29, 2013, at 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 ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Yes, families did change jewelry to the latest style back in the Victorian and Edwardian age -not so much anymore. Because now they understand the historical value of the gem in that setting if it's truly that old. Also, in the Victorian age, they loved doing exactly what you are doing - taking antique dresses and outfits to wear to fancy balls. Do you have any idea how many we lost during that time period? How many not only Rococo but Elizabethan outfits? Just because someone wanted to look pretty and was incapable of thinking about the historic value of the item in their hands. Not only are you doing this yourself, but encouraging others to do this as well - which is where my outrage is coming from. I've seen plenty of people post something to ebay/etsy/pick your favorite online flea market that they had no idea what it was. By encourage others to do what you do to create a t-tunic - beginners garb for most Medieval groups- you are encouraging people who have little knowledge on the subject of historical textiles to rip apart something that may be very valuable. That supposed 19th C chemise may actually be 17th C. It's irresponsible. You may not consider yourself a custodian of historical wears but we all are. We all need to attempt to preserve objects of the past so that future generations can learn from them. Rather than taking that dress in or out, why not check out the seam lines and see if you can recreate a pattern from it? As for the items being yours - well, the old house was your parents', right? I highly doubt they were allowed to do whatever they pleased with it. The laws and regulations for houses began due to people with your mindset. Originally, Independence Hall was scheduled to be torn down because the people that owned the land didn't care about it's historical value. Shakespeare's home was torn down because the individual that owned the land didn't care about the historical value.We need to appreciate the value in all objects and attempt to preserve them. Of course, just like houses, there are exceptions - if the dress is too badly damaged to be saved then save what can be saved and reuse those bits. If the silk is shattered or dry rot has gotten to too much of it then take what can be used. But in dresses that , in your opinion, are good enough to wear? No. That's like destroying the an antique building that is good enough to live in. I know you won't listen, Fran. I've been on this list long enough to know that. I also know you'll write back telling me how I have no business telling you what to do with your stuff and how I should just go away. It will probably take three or four paragraphs. ;-) However, I know it will make others on the list stop and think. And if we stop this cultural object destruction only one person at a time, so be it. -Isabella Date: Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:10:24 -0700 From: Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Subject: Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press) Message-ID: 51563b80.9020...@lavoltapress.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed What I am saying is the do-not-cross line is strictly up to the owner of the item. The families wealthy enough to have family jewels have traditionally often reset them to current styles and sometimes, recut stones with new techniques. The 18th-century diamond necklace might be lovely, and so is the Victorian one later made from the same diamonds, and so is the Art Deco one even later made from the same diamonds. It's other people's business to criticize the owners for their goal of having stylish jewelry to wear now instead of unstylish jewelry preserved in a vault. And it's useless. Everyone on this list can get together in a committee and decide no one should ever alter any jewelry set after 1920, or whatever, and the owners will go right ahead and do it. I doubt I'm ever going to have to face that particular issue personally, but if someone ever gives me a whopping diamond necklace in a style I don't like, I will certainly feel free to have it reset in a style I do like. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
On Mar 30, 2013, at 8:04 AM, . . wrote: Also, in the Victorian age, they loved doing exactly what you are doing - taking antique dresses and outfits to wear to fancy balls. Do you have any idea how many we lost during that time period? How many not only Rococo but Elizabethan outfits? Just because someone wanted to look pretty and was incapable of thinking about the historic value of the item in their hands. There was also a practice, I think it was called drizzling, where they would take old medieval fabrics or embroideries and pick out the metal, gold and silver, to melt down. -Carol ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Once more playing devil's advocate here. I know that, through the lens of hindsight, we are dismayed that people took 18th century gowns and altered them to wear in 1876, for example. But you know, this kind of re-use is what might have gotten them saved at all. Cleaning out the attic--who needs this old thing anymore? Oh, don't throw it out, it would be perfect for the centennial ball this summer! So don't judge too harshly. But I will add--we have a local vintage clothing dealer who has come to me with two dresses that she knows are worth saving. One is from the early 19th century--it has been mucked with some, but not too badly; and one is probably mid-19th century. She rescued them but won't sell them in her shop. Ann Wass ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Also, in the Victorian age, they loved doing exactly what you are doing - taking antique dresses and outfits to wear to fancy balls. Do you have any idea how many we lost during that time period? How many not only Rococo but Elizabethan outfits? Just because someone wanted to look pretty and was incapable of thinking about the historic value of the item in their hands. And that is one of the things I love about the Victorian era. I love reading about people in the late 1870s and early 1880s remodeling men's 18th-century vests for dresses. Not only are you doing this yourself, but encouraging others to do this as well - which is where my outrage is coming from. I've seen plenty of people post something to ebay/etsy/pick your favorite online flea market that they had no idea what it was. By encourage others to do what you do to create a t-tunic - beginners garb for most Medieval groups- you are encouraging people who have little knowledge on the subject of historical textiles to rip apart something that may be very valuable. Apparently, you don't have the slightest idea what is valuable on the vintage market and what is not. Perhaps you should do some research before you express outrage. That supposed 19th C chemise may actually be 17th C. Since I have been studying and collecting textiles for over 40 years, I do know the difference. You may not consider yourself a custodian of historical wears but we all are. But apparently you don't even collect antique textiles yourself. You are certainly welcome to do so, but are in no position to dictate to others regarding it. Rather than taking that dress in or out, why not check out the seam lines and see if you can recreate a pattern from it? Because I don't want to. As for the items being yours - well, the old house was your parents', right? I highly doubt they were allowed to do whatever they pleased with it. Of course they were allowed to do whatever they pleased with it. You are under a major misconception that every older house is under historic protection. There are a great many of them around and the vast majority are not. The only thing the owners have to conform to is local zoning relations and the building code. Everybody remodels and upgrades older homes all the time. Check your local real estate section for the ads for older homes and what the realtors say has been done to them. I know you won't listen, Fran. I've been on this list long enough to know that. Well, naturally, I don't regulate my life by the advice of a perfect stranger who doesn't have a clue what she is talking about. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
And here I thought this list was for *costumers* and not consumers and destroyers. == Marjorie Wilser On Mar 30, 2013, at 7:40 AM, Lavolta Press wrote: But apparently you don't even collect antique textiles yourself. You are certainly welcome to do so, but are in no position to dictate to others regarding it. Rather than taking that dress in or out, why not check out the seam lines and see if you can recreate a pattern from it? Because I don't want to. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Costumers ARE consumers! Somebody or something is going to be wearing the product, right? Even if it is made for display on a mannequin, that is consumption. And re-making something isn't destroying it. But I don't collect vintage or antiques clothing or textiles, either. I just admire others'. I'm strictly making period style things from modern materials. I have been known to buy 1950s and 1960s era things from thrift stores, though, and altering them to fit to wear for costume. So, how far do we go? 1950s? 1040s? 1920s? Ann Wass -Original Message- From: Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Sat, Mar 30, 2013 11:19 am Subject: Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press) And here I thought this list was for *costumers* and not consumers and destroyers. == Marjorie Wilser On Mar 30, 2013, at 7:40 AM, Lavolta Press wrote: But apparently you don't even collect antique textiles yourself. You are certainly welcome to do so, but are in no position to dictate to others regarding it. Rather than taking that dress in or out, why not check out the seam lines and see if you can recreate a pattern from it? Because I don't want to. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
On 3/30/2013 4:44 AM, annbw...@aol.com wrote: Fran and I don't always see eye to eye. But I have to agree with her on this one. Sounds like these tunics/shifts, which started the discussion, exist in great numbers. Let us hope someone, somewhere, has saved a couple, along with their provenance (if they were indeed worn at institutions, or whatever). For the rest, well, we can't save EVERYTHING. If we did, we would be covered with mountains of stuff. I am intrigued by these because in 40 years, I have never seen anything like them (this sturdy) from American, UK, or Canadian dealers. French dealers seem to accept them as common and sometimes call them rustic. Maybe, but then the French lower classes, rural or perhaps urban, were willing to sacrifice comfort for extreme durability more than the Americans or British. I have not seen any from other European countries, but then, the vast majority of dealers I see on English-speakingwebsites are naturally from English-speaking countries. They are all cut with the selvage across the hem of the bottom (except sometimes the side gores) and any sleeves (many are sleeveless) and there is no hem there, just the selvage. I also see men's shirts made from the same fabric, but I have not bought any. Fran Lavolta Press Books on historic clothing www.lavoltapress.com . ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Whenever you make something you are transforming the materials into something else. As for what eras should be remodeled, durability is a key issue. This is affected not only by the age of the materials but the fiber, how thin/thick they are, how they were stored (for example with moth repellant or not, in the dark or not), how they were prepared for sale (for example soaked in chlorine bleach or not), and other factors. I have no idea how purist anyone wants to get about the age (and it's easy to dictate an age if you never do it anyway), but many of the things people are going to get really agitated about cutting up or wearing aren't durable enough to be worth the effort. And/or they are too expensive on today's market. Somethings you can't easily buy or even get the look of today, such as handmade lace. And handmade linen bobbin lace is often quite durable. Fran Lavolta Press Books on historic clothing www.lavoltapress.com On 3/30/2013 10:41 AM, annbw...@aol.com wrote: Costumers ARE consumers! Somebody or something is going to be wearing the product, right? Even if it is made for display on a mannequin, that is consumption. And re-making something isn't destroying it. But I don't collect vintage or antiques clothing or textiles, either. I just admire others'. I'm strictly making period style things from modern materials. I have been known to buy 1950s and 1960s era things from thrift stores, though, and altering them to fit to wear for costume. So, how far do we go? 1950s? 1040s? 1920s? Ann Wass -Original Message- From: Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Sat, Mar 30, 2013 11:19 am Subject: Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press) And here I thought this list was for *costumers* and not consumers and destroyers. == Marjorie Wilser On Mar 30, 2013, at 7:40 AM, Lavolta Press wrote: But apparently you don't even collect antique textiles yourself. You are certainly welcome to do so, but are in no position to dictate to others regarding it. Rather than taking that dress in or out, why not check out the seam lines and see if you can recreate a pattern from it? Because I don't want to. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
[h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
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 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_41ga_search_query=chemisega_view_type=galleryga_ship_to=USga_order=date_descga_page=0ga_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 h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume End of h-costume Digest, Vol 12, Issue 61 * ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
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) -- 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_41ga_search_query=chemisega_view_type=galleryga_ship_to=USga_order=date_descga_page=0ga_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 h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume End of h-costume Digest, Vol 12, Issue 61 *
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Ha. I'm with Fran on this one. If we saved every vintage textile we found, we could fill a warehouse...and it would all just sit there. What would be the point? Mom has boxes and boxes of vintage embroidered sheets, pillow cases, dish towels, table clothes, etc. Since she wants to save them, we don't use for them. Frankly, I'm sick of trying to live with boxes, lugging them around to get to other things, and endlessly moving useless stuff around the house. If I could do it without Mom noticing and getting ticked off, I'd start mailing it all to Fran. LOL! That said, I also understand where Isabella is coming from because I HATE it when people take a piece of vintage jewelry and destroy it by tweaking it into something modern. I find stuff on eBay all the time that just blows my mind. I cry when I read about someone who bought an historic diamond then had it recut. If it used to be in a royal crown and can be seen in portraits from hundreds of years ago, leave it alone! Man, oh man, I want to smack some people!! Things like that can never be replaced. But really, linen tunics?? Eh, they're nothing special. It's the rare stuff, especially things that have significant history, presses my buttons. 'Bella On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.comwrote: 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) --**--** -- 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.8050503@**lavoltapress.com5154cb9d.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-**
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
I'm with Sybella on this. --RA Baumgartner On Mar 29, 2013, at 7:26 PM, Sybella wrote: Ha. I'm with Fran on this one. If we saved every vintage textile we found, we could fill a warehouse...and it would all just sit there. What would be the point? Mom has boxes and boxes of vintage embroidered sheets, pillow cases, dish towels, table clothes, etc. Since she wants to save them, we don't use for them. Frankly, I'm sick of trying to live with boxes, lugging them around to get to other things, and endlessly moving useless stuff around the house. If I could do it without Mom noticing and getting ticked off, I'd start mailing it all to Fran. LOL! That said, I also understand where Isabella is coming from because I HATE it when people take a piece of vintage jewelry and destroy it by tweaking it into something modern. I find stuff on eBay all the time that just blows my mind. I cry when I read about someone who bought an historic diamond then had it recut. If it used to be in a royal crown and can be seen in portraits from hundreds of years ago, leave it alone! Man, oh man, I want to smack some people!! Things like that can never be replaced. But really, linen tunics?? Eh, they're nothing special. It's the rare stuff, especially things that have significant history, presses my buttons. 'Bella On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.comwrote: 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) --**--** -- 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.8050503@**lavoltapress.com5154cb9d.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
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Your mother will never notice if you mail all those embroidered linens to me. Trust me. Here's my address! Seriously, hand-embroidered linens are far from rare on eBay. You can buy oodles of embroidered pillow cases, table/dresser runners (great for camisoles, blouses, skirt borders, and other things), tablecloths (great for skirts), not to mention crocheted doilies (which can be hard to use, but they are good for lace patchwork). Plain linen tablecloths are a costumer favorite for getting cheap linen fabric to make into clothes. The late 19th-century and early 20th-century chemises I spoke of are all over the place. The minute I bought the four for $40 (which just arrived in today's mail, and they are great), the seller contacted me to offer me another four. There are oodles of eyelet-trimmed petticoats around too, and if they are sturdy they dye up nicely for skirts, and if not, the eyelet ruffles are often useful for trimming other garments. I am currently adding one to the bottom of a chemise, having dyed the eyelet in the same batch. Most museums receive public funding to preserve artifacts. I don't. That's not my mission in life. Everyone is welcome to make their own decisions regarding their own property--I certainly have some items in my collection I would not cut up. But, I haven't saved every garment I've owned in my life for posterity, either, and everything I make from vintage textiles is also part of history. Maybe someone will someday display part of it is early 21st-century upcycling. Who knows. And if I owned a huge historic diamond and wanted to wear it, I'd certainly consider having it recut. If you've got any diamonds around the house, send those along too. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 4:26 PM, Sybella wrote: Ha. I'm with Fran on this one. If we saved every vintage textile we found, we could fill a warehouse...and it would all just sit there. What would be the point? Mom has boxes and boxes of vintage embroidered sheets, pillow cases, dish towels, table clothes, etc. Since she wants to save them, we don't use for them. Frankly, I'm sick of trying to live with boxes, lugging them around to get to other things, and endlessly moving useless stuff around the house. If I could do it without Mom noticing and getting ticked off, I'd start mailing it all to Fran. LOL! That said, I also understand where Isabella is coming from because I HATE it when people take a piece of vintage jewelry and destroy it by tweaking it into something modern. I find stuff on eBay all the time that just blows my mind. I cry when I read about someone who bought an historic diamond then had it recut. If it used to be in a royal crown and can be seen in portraits from hundreds of years ago, leave it alone! Man, oh man, I want to smack some people!! Things like that can never be replaced. But really, linen tunics?? Eh, they're nothing special. It's the rare stuff, especially things that have significant history, presses my buttons. 'Bella ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Ha. Wicked, wicked woman!! Hands off my precious!!! LOL! (When my eyeballs popped out of my head, my dogs thought they were new toys and didn't want to give them back.) Fran, isn't there something you are partial to?? It can't be all materials to reuse. You already know my weakness. I don't want anyone messing with old fine jewelry. Come on...fess up. There's got to be something old with a do-not-cross line. 'Bella On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 4:47 PM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.comwrote: Your mother will never notice if you mail all those embroidered linens to me. Trust me. Here's my address! snippity snip, snip And if I owned a huge historic diamond and wanted to wear it, I'd certainly consider having it recut. If you've got any diamonds around the house, send those along too. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
What I am saying is the do-not-cross line is strictly up to the owner of the item. The families wealthy enough to have family jewels have traditionally often reset them to current styles and sometimes, recut stones with new techniques. The 18th-century diamond necklace might be lovely, and so is the Victorian one later made from the same diamonds, and so is the Art Deco one even later made from the same diamonds. It's other people's business to criticize the owners for their goal of having stylish jewelry to wear now instead of unstylish jewelry preserved in a vault. And it's useless. Everyone on this list can get together in a committee and decide no one should ever alter any jewelry set after 1920, or whatever, and the owners will go right ahead and do it. I doubt I'm ever going to have to face that particular issue personally, but if someone ever gives me a whopping diamond necklace in a style I don't like, I will certainly feel free to have it reset in a style I do like. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 5:51 PM, Sybella wrote: Ha. Wicked, wicked woman!! Hands off my precious!!! LOL! (When my eyeballs popped out of my head, my dogs thought they were new toys and didn't want to give them back.) Fran, isn't there something you are partial to?? It can't be all materials to reuse. You already know my weakness. I don't want anyone messing with old fine jewelry. Come on...fess up. There's got to be something old with a do-not-cross line. 'Bella On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 4:47 PM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.comwrote: Your mother will never notice if you mail all those embroidered linens to me. Trust me. Here's my address! snippity snip, snip And if I owned a huge historic diamond and wanted to wear it, I'd certainly consider having it recut. If you've got any diamonds around the house, send those along too. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Sorry, I meant it's not other people's business to criticize it. For me, one issue is how I feel about the item aesthetically, which is a personal judgement. There is some mega-ugly antique jewelry out there, for example. Of course, someone else might like it, but if it were mine, their liking something I hated would do me no good. Fran On 3/29/2013 6:10 PM, Lavolta Press wrote: What I am saying is the do-not-cross line is strictly up to the owner of the item. The families wealthy enough to have family jewels have traditionally often reset them to current styles and sometimes, recut stones with new techniques. The 18th-century diamond necklace might be lovely, and so is the Victorian one later made from the same diamonds, and so is the Art Deco one even later made from the same diamonds. It's other people's business to criticize the owners for their goal of having stylish jewelry to wear now instead of unstylish jewelry preserved in a vault. And it's useless. Everyone on this list can get together in a committee and decide no one should ever alter any jewelry set after 1920, or whatever, and the owners will go right ahead and do it. I doubt I'm ever going to have to face that particular issue personally, but if someone ever gives me a whopping diamond necklace in a style I don't like, I will certainly feel free to have it reset in a style I do like. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 5:51 PM, Sybella wrote: Ha. Wicked, wicked woman!! Hands off my precious!!! LOL! (When my eyeballs popped out of my head, my dogs thought they were new toys and didn't want to give them back.) Fran, isn't there something you are partial to?? It can't be all materials to reuse. You already know my weakness. I don't want anyone messing with old fine jewelry. Come on...fess up. There's got to be something old with a do-not-cross line. 'Bella On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 4:47 PM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.comwrote: Your mother will never notice if you mail all those embroidered linens to me. Trust me. Here's my address! snippity snip, snip And if I owned a huge historic diamond and wanted to wear it, I'd certainly consider having it recut. If you've got any diamonds around the house, send those along too. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Oh no...please don't feel I'm putting you in the place to defend yourself. I'm not judging you, Fran. I agree that people can do what they want with what they own but there are a few things that I wish people would leave alone. (The Wittelsbach Diamond, for example -- 400 years went down the toilet in 2011.) However, those that have responded to this thread seem to fall in different areas of a save or reuse spectrum. I find that interesting! Compared to Isabella's outrage, you're on the other extreme. I'm just curious if there is anything sacred to you, any certain item that should be saved, not reused or recycled. If so, what is it?? ;) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Absolutely no item that belongs to anyone else is sacred to me. It's not my business to decide that for other people. My collection and my wardrobe freely overlap. I bought everything I own with the possibility of wearing it someday, even if only on rare occasions. Otherwise I would not enjoy it. I don't have room to display clothes and for me there's no point in acquiring things that just sit around in a closet or chest for decades. What I wear and don't wear changes over time, depending on the occasions I have to wear things and on whatever vintage styles may currently be in fashion. I have pulled out garments I wasn't wearing to dye or to cut up. I've put away other garments, most merely because I currently have no occasion to wear them. It's whatever I need and want at the moment. I don't make a permanent decision never to wear or alter anything. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 6:36 PM, Sybella wrote: Oh no...please don't feel I'm putting you in the place to defend yourself. I'm not judging you, Fran. I agree that people can do what they want with what they own but there are a few things that I wish people would leave alone. (The Wittelsbach Diamond, for example -- 400 years went down the toilet in 2011.) However, those that have responded to this thread seem to fall in different areas of a save or reuse spectrum. I find that interesting! Compared to Isabella's outrage, you're on the other extreme. I'm just curious if there is anything sacred to you, any certain item that should be saved, not reused or recycled. If so, what is it?? ;) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Fran, I think what is being asked is are there antique items of any kind that you won't mess with. For example, my mom's antique cups and saucers that she collected were never used. However, we did use the antique depression glass that she collected on a daily basis. Personally, I won't take apart a textile to use its components. However I will use vintage ribbon and trims on reproduction items that won't get heavy use. I don't wear vintage clothing at all which is fine since I'm a little fluffy for it. Maggie Koenig. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 29, 2013, at 9:49 PM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.com wrote: Absolutely no item that belongs to anyone else is sacred to me. It's not my business to decide that for other people. My collection and my wardrobe freely overlap. I bought everything I own with the possibility of wearing it someday, even if only on rare occasions. Otherwise I would not enjoy it. I don't have room to display clothes and for me there's no point in acquiring things that just sit around in a closet or chest for decades. What I wear and don't wear changes over time, depending on the occasions I have to wear things and on whatever vintage styles may currently be in fashion. I have pulled out garments I wasn't wearing to dye or to cut up. I've put away other garments, most merely because I currently have no occasion to wear them. It's whatever I need and want at the moment. I don't make a permanent decision never to wear or alter anything. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 6:36 PM, Sybella wrote: Oh no...please don't feel I'm putting you in the place to defend yourself. I'm not judging you, Fran. I agree that people can do what they want with what they own but there are a few things that I wish people would leave alone. (The Wittelsbach Diamond, for example -- 400 years went down the toilet in 2011.) However, those that have responded to this thread seem to fall in different areas of a save or reuse spectrum. I find that interesting! Compared to Isabella's outrage, you're on the other extreme. I'm just curious if there is anything sacred to you, any certain item that should be saved, not reused or recycled. If so, what is it?? ;) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
I buy garments close to my size and sure, I hem them, let them out, take them in, whatever is needed. As for the components issue, it depends on: * Whether I like the style/bought the garment to wear in that style * Whether the fiber is sturdy enough to warrant reuse * Whether the fabric is unique enough to warrant reuse * Whether the price is low enough to warrant reuse * Whether the item is actually suitable for making into a garment. For example, tablecloths with very large patterns are more problematic than ones with smaller patterns Although I've altered plenty of pre-1930 silk dresses to wear, I don't reuse silks of that era for other projects because they are not sturdy enough to work with. If it's a plain silk, I can often buy a modern silk that looks similar and which is sturdy enough to work with. I like buying hand-embroidered and intricately tucked cottons and linens (usually in the form of home textiles or lingerie) because there is all that decoration to use, which would be time-consuming to duplicate. But, I often see petticoats at $250 and almost identical ones at $25, both in great condition. I don't buy the $250 ones for any purpose; why should I? I know items I dye may fall apart in the process and if they go, they go. I know old lace may be fragile and if a seller misleads me, and I tug on it and it rips, into the garbage can it goes. What I am saying is my decisions about what to cut up and what not are based on practicality. They are not based on any feeling that things are terribly precious, historic, etc. or that I am obliged to be a custodian. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 6:54 PM, Maggie Koenig wrote: Fran, I think what is being asked is are there antique items of any kind that you won't mess with. For example, my mom's antique cups and saucers that she collected were never used. However, we did use the antique depression glass that she collected on a daily basis. Personally, I won't take apart a textile to use its components. However I will use vintage ribbon and trims on reproduction items that won't get heavy use. I don't wear vintage clothing at all which is fine since I'm a little fluffy for it. Maggie Koenig. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Yeee!! Maggie's got it!! :) Though, I do use my vintage gold and silver hat pins, jewelry, hair combs, etc. they will never be altered while I own them. Their history is an important part of why I adore them so much. I have a few vintage hats that I have considered hand-sewing some vintage bobbles to but I'm having a hard time convincing myself that it's okay to alter them. One time I hurt my finger and had to get a ring off quick because my finger was swelling. You should have seen me stressing about cutting it off! It was comical! The inside is inscribed 10 29 1895-1945 because it was someone's 50 year anniversary ring at one time. The people that were with me were looking at me funny because I couldn't bring myself cut the center middle. What are you doing?!!? they were saying, You don't cut a ring toward the front! All the while, I was just hoping I would miss the inscription. Finger, be damned! LOL! Clothing, household textiles and whatnot, I don't have that same problem with. I do buy linen at thrift stores just to harvest the fabric for other projects. 'Bella On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 6:54 PM, Maggie Koenig hhalb94...@aol.com wrote: Fran, I think what is being asked is are there antique items of any kind that you won't mess with. For example, my mom's antique cups and saucers that she collected were never used. However, we did use the antique depression glass that she collected on a daily basis. Personally, I won't take apart a textile to use its components. However I will use vintage ribbon and trims on reproduction items that won't get heavy use. I don't wear vintage clothing at all which is fine since I'm a little fluffy for it. Maggie Koenig. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 29, 2013, at 9:49 PM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.com wrote: Absolutely no item that belongs to anyone else is sacred to me. It's not my business to decide that for other people. My collection and my wardrobe freely overlap. I bought everything I own with the possibility of wearing it someday, even if only on rare occasions. Otherwise I would not enjoy it. I don't have room to display clothes and for me there's no point in acquiring things that just sit around in a closet or chest for decades. What I wear and don't wear changes over time, depending on the occasions I have to wear things and on whatever vintage styles may currently be in fashion. I have pulled out garments I wasn't wearing to dye or to cut up. I've put away other garments, most merely because I currently have no occasion to wear them. It's whatever I need and want at the moment. I don't make a permanent decision never to wear or alter anything. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 6:36 PM, Sybella wrote: Oh no...please don't feel I'm putting you in the place to defend yourself. I'm not judging you, Fran. I agree that people can do what they want with what they own but there are a few things that I wish people would leave alone. (The Wittelsbach Diamond, for example -- 400 years went down the toilet in 2011.) However, those that have responded to this thread seem to fall in different areas of a save or reuse spectrum. I find that interesting! Compared to Isabella's outrage, you're on the other extreme. I'm just curious if there is anything sacred to you, any certain item that should be saved, not reused or recycled. If so, what is it?? ;) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Would you buy a slightly rundown Victorian house and tear it up to sell off the pieces and remake it into a modern home? Why not? People do all the time. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
People are entitled to preserve their own items for any aesthetic or sentimental reason they want. I certainly have things I think are beautiful that I would not alter for style (at least not right now), but that is different from being a custodian of history, let alone a custodian of someone else's stuff, and different from thinking everything old is precious and should be inviolable. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 7:22 PM, Sybella wrote: Yeee!! Maggie's got it!! :) Though, I do use my vintage gold and silver hat pins, jewelry, hair combs, etc. they will never be altered while I own them. Their history is an important part of why I adore them so much. I have a few vintage hats that I have considered hand-sewing some vintage bobbles to but I'm having a hard time convincing myself that it's okay to alter them. One time I hurt my finger and had to get a ring off quick because my finger was swelling. You should have seen me stressing about cutting it off! It was comical! The inside is inscribed 10 29 1895-1945 because it was someone's 50 year anniversary ring at one time. The people that were with me were looking at me funny because I couldn't bring myself cut the center middle. What are you doing?!!? they were saying, You don't cut a ring toward the front! All the while, I was just hoping I would miss the inscription. Finger, be damned! LOL! Clothing, household textiles and whatnot, I don't have that same problem with. I do buy linen at thrift stores just to harvest the fabric for other projects. 'Bella ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Never mind. I give up. LOL! Maggie, I love the Bake King glass baking dishes for the philbe and sapphire design. And I do use them. I'm sure I'd like your mother's depression glass but it's usually delicate, which makes me nervous. :) 'Bella On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 7:31 PM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.comwrote: People are entitled to preserve their own items for any aesthetic or sentimental reason they want. I certainly have things I think are beautiful that I would not alter for style (at least not right now), but that is different from being a custodian of history, let alone a custodian of someone else's stuff, and different from thinking everything old is precious and should be inviolable. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 7:22 PM, Sybella wrote: Yeee!! Maggie's got it!! :) Though, I do use my vintage gold and silver hat pins, jewelry, hair combs, etc. they will never be altered while I own them. Their history is an important part of why I adore them so much. I have a few vintage hats that I have considered hand-sewing some vintage bobbles to but I'm having a hard time convincing myself that it's okay to alter them. One time I hurt my finger and had to get a ring off quick because my finger was swelling. You should have seen me stressing about cutting it off! It was comical! The inside is inscribed 10 29 1895-1945 because it was someone's 50 year anniversary ring at one time. The people that were with me were looking at me funny because I couldn't bring myself cut the center middle. What are you doing?!!? they were saying, You don't cut a ring toward the front! All the while, I was just hoping I would miss the inscription. Finger, be damned! LOL! Clothing, household textiles and whatnot, I don't have that same problem with. I do buy linen at thrift stores just to harvest the fabric for other projects. 'Bella __**_ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/**listinfo/h-costumehttp://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Unless you are buying direct from an estate auction where everything's been untouched in the attic for decades and nothing has been prepared for sale except to throw it in a box lot, you're not seeing most garments in their original state anyway. Dirty rags don't sell well. Dealers take anything salvageable off badly damaged garments and throw the rest out. They not only clean and mend others, and replace buttons: They often dye stained items. They alter waistlines to fit the modern figure where at all possible. They cut off damaged parts to do things like make a petticoat much shorter or turn a nightgown into a blouse. If white dresses with empire waists are in style, they sew a petticoat onto a crocheted yoke. I've been seeing a bunch of those on eBay lately. If knee-length skirts gathered all around are in style, they shorten petticoats and redistribute the gathering all around. I've been seeing a lot of those on eBay too. They turn chemises into camisoles, which people are more likely to wear--I see a lot of those alterations. If heavily trimmed drawers are in style, they add trimming to plainer ones. Dealers do whatever it takes to give a garment rack appeal to someone who wants to wear it and who will pay the highest price obtainable. You are often not getting a pristine historical item, and almost never one with any provenance. Vintage jewelry dealers (at least the higher end ones) commonly restring pearls and beads and replace clasps. With other items it depends. But, for example, I see Edwardian sash pins made into not only belt buckles but statement necklaces. I adore Art Nouveau sash pins, but they are not very wearable in modern life and it can be preferable to have a necklace you will wear than a sash pin you will not. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 7:52 PM, Sybella wrote: Never mind. I give up. LOL! Maggie, I love the Bake King glass baking dishes for the philbe and sapphire design. And I do use them. I'm sure I'd like your mother's depression glass but it's usually delicate, which makes me nervous. :) 'Bella On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 7:31 PM, Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.comwrote: People are entitled to preserve their own items for any aesthetic or sentimental reason they want. I certainly have things I think are beautiful that I would not alter for style (at least not right now), but that is different from being a custodian of history, let alone a custodian of someone else's stuff, and different from thinking everything old is precious and should be inviolable. Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com On 3/29/2013 7:22 PM, Sybella wrote: Yeee!! Maggie's got it!! :) Though, I do use my vintage gold and silver hat pins, jewelry, hair combs, etc. they will never be altered while I own them. Their history is an important part of why I adore them so much. I have a few vintage hats that I have considered hand-sewing some vintage bobbles to but I'm having a hard time convincing myself that it's okay to alter them. One time I hurt my finger and had to get a ring off quick because my finger was swelling. You should have seen me stressing about cutting it off! It was comical! The inside is inscribed 10 29 1895-1945 because it was someone's 50 year anniversary ring at one time. The people that were with me were looking at me funny because I couldn't bring myself cut the center middle. What are you doing?!!? they were saying, You don't cut a ring toward the front! All the while, I was just hoping I would miss the inscription. Finger, be damned! LOL! Clothing, household textiles and whatnot, I don't have that same problem with. I do buy linen at thrift stores just to harvest the fabric for other projects. 'Bella __**_ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/**listinfo/h-costumehttp://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Easy way to get a hand sewn T-Tunic (Lavolta Press)
Dear Isabella, Likewise. I am sure. Brava! for saying so out loud. == Marjorie Wilser On Mar 29, 2013, at 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 ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
