[Ansteorra] costuming bit
Genie Barrett
maggie.gene at justinanimator.com
Sun Sep 24 16:55:43 PDT 2006
At 01:07 PM 9/22/2006, you wrote:
> I just read something from a Civil War reenactment I found of interest
>and thought to pass on. She states that modern sewers are spoiled because
>we just go out and buy fabric - and just cut the pieces out without regard
>to thrift. Very often (at least in 1860-65) people pieced small areas to
>extend their fabric very often the sleeves and gores or places no one
>would see them much. they didn't have the luxury of buying too much to
>match plaids and designs. Hems were actually very small with different
>fabric backing them so they didn't get as dirty nd it wasn't a waste. Trim
>was often on the bodice only because it was a show of extravangance to put
>it on the skirt since the skirt would be taken up, get dirty easier and such.
>
>We tend to forget that clothing was worn until it fell apart or cut down
>for someone smaller, used for facing, binding or linings. In period
>clothing or fabric was given for part of wages or service. The item could
>be sold or I imagine cut down to fit. It would be fun if children were
>given clothing made from older bigger tunics and such. Someone be given a
>article of clothing as largess (a pair of embroidered sleeves or an old
>costume of beautiful fabric. I'm seriously thinking about ripping up old
>costumes and remaking them into something to se if I can do it.
>
>Clare
Keep up posted. This sounds like a very interesting idea. I've
recently done something similar. I cut all the embroidery off of one
dress and put on another that is far closer to appropriate.
Maggie MacPherson
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