The capote, or long greatcoat, has long been closely associated with the fur trade in North America. It is not surprising that the wide-scale harvesting of furs for European markets coincided with the development of this uniquely Canadian garment. Indeed the capotes, or more specifically the wool blankets from which they were sewn, became one… Read more »
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Posts Categorized: THE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
The Underside of the 1860, 1870’s and 1880’s
1868-1887 Traveling Bustle Bustle. Tournure. Paniers. These words were interchangeable during this period, although the most common term, bustle, was considered mildly rude. Those in the know preferred to say “tourmure”. For much of the 1870’s and 1880’s, the shape of the dress was determined by the strength of the bustle. A soft, drooping bustle… Read more »
Things You Never Knew About Swaddling
We are pleased to offer sewing patterns by Kannik’s Korner which are well made and extensively documented for accuracy. To that end I wanted to share what they wrote about Swaddling in the thorough instruction booklet that comes with the pattern Infant’s Clothing – Second Half o the 18th Century. It is Pattern KK-9001 for… Read more »
The Mystery of the History of Sleeve Garters
SLEEVE GARTERS…and others! They seem like they have been around forever when you think about it. In the Middle Ages.. think Camelot!…leg garters were a common accessory for both men and women. This was a time before elastic and leg garters held up stockings. In those times they were often quite decorative and fanciful. They… Read more »
The History of Ladies Pockets
The pockets of the past are nothing like today’s ladies’ pockets. Modern ladies’ pockets are just like men’s pockets and are sewn into the garments. But it was very different back then. From the 17th to the 19th centuries the pockets served a similar purpose to a handbag of today. Pockets were worn underneath the… Read more »