Most of the white fabric is petticoats. The one above is so beautiful. The underlayer has white embroidery on it, under the beautiful white gauzy fabric. I'm not a fabric detective, so I can't identify all this old loveliness. I just know I'm thankful to use it, wash it, sort it, to touch it.
My maternal grandma was the sewer, knitter, crocheter, tatter in the family, and my teacher. Like many who grew up sewing, I was so lucky to have her button box to sort through and play with when I was young. Each button was a treasure. Some held history of the family. Others were exotic-sounding, "Mother-of-Pearl." I never truly knew what that was until I was much older than the 8 or 9 years of my sewing beginnings.
So these old treasures, which I bought from a shop at Etsy, made me nostalgic for my grandma. She would have loved looking at this pile with me. My great-grandma was Monnie Bien. I changed the spelling to 'Bean' for my business name of Monnie Bean Folk Art. I never knew my great-grandma, but I know a lot about her. She was a milliner and seamstress. I'll put a photo of her in my side-bar. She was beautiful and I'm told her hand-sewing was precise and lovely. My grandma showered my brother and I with love. I felt it in those times of sitting at her feet looking at the buttons in the box, while she told me stories of her childhood. I never tired of those stories. They were part of the love too.
The black fabric above is almost other-worldly in that you just don't find it now. The tulle you buy now is plastic feeling. I don't know what this stuff is or exactly what it's called. I just can't wait to use it. I want to make some mourning dolls using it.
This checkered cloth, above, is a long wool skirt. The opening at the waist was hook and eye. All the inner seams are covered with cording.
This is most of the heap of clothing. Some has been put away. The velvet that came with this wasn't silk velvet, it was more like a velveteen, but it's still an older version. There's nothing like old silk velvet though-and I'm so happy to have some of that. I bought an old jacket that is for cutter use only-there's no restoring it. It will be beautiful for making doll clothes.
I know this would be a boring post for some, but I'm a die hard fabric nut, so I had to show off this stuff. I hope your weekend is peaceful.
silk velvet, not shown, from The Velvet Valet on Etsy
14 comments:
When you said you will 'touch' the fabric from your grandmother and great grandmother I thought I would as well find myself touching and caressing it. What a treasure you have received. My O my !
My landlady in Mexico while I was at school there did tatting and every kind of beautiful hand work with her 98 year old mama who still used her peddle singer sewing machine. The Old ones were treasures to me.
Enjoy all those many lbs of fabric and beauty ...
Debra, you’ve hit the jackpot, and I can’t wait to see what you make with these treasures. It’s obvious your heart is in these projects. It shows in your words about your grandma and great-grandma, Monnie Bien. They will guide you along the way!
Hi, I am sooo glad you shared this with us. Brought back good memories of your childhood and now you can enjoy creating So exciting!
I buy allot of things like this on etsy too-a few years ago I was looking for wool threads and I bought a huge pile of very old samples on cards from a shop that closed in France. Those were so much fun to use in my fabric journal in 2019 that I finished up early 2020. I also bought a big bag of lovely vintage cotton laces-at the time I was gathering things for a crazy quilt. I am anxious to see your dolls and creations-enjoy the journey-hugs
do you happen to have the link to the store memory vintage? I can't find it on etsy thanks
What a stash! I hope you photograph all the embroidery. Those fabrics are gorgeous. Are you going use some of it to make yourself a blouse or decorative top?
Oh my goodness! What a joy it must have been to open that box and pull out piece after beautiful piece. I love fabric too and always look for vintage, especially white lacy pieces in thrift shops. Also loved hearing about your grandma.
Wow what a find. I too have similar memories of my grandmother and great grand. What a treasure you found on line. Have fun with it.
Hi Kathy-I just included the link at the bottom of this post. I'm not sure if this seller comes across such finds very often, but it was priced very fairly and it was huge! And also very nice.
I hadn't thought of that-it's good idea-there's so much fabric! I know I can't ever make that many doll clothes. The embroidery underthe white veiling is more like what they called 'cut work.' Some designs were cut out of the fabric, then it was embroidered around the designs. I have to look closer to see if it was done by hand. But some of the handwork is so precise it's hard to tell.
You have got treasures, Debra. I'm thrilled and wait for seeing what wonderful you make with it.
Have a happy weekend xx
You surely just found a treasure box that to those of us who love old cloth is more precious than gold. I can only imagine how magnificently your doll creations will be dressed. Wow! What a wonderful post!
Wow, so many treasures waiting to become something new! Great stuff, Debra!
I sure hope I am able to leave a message. Seems my computer is not compatible. I am always in such awe of your talent. Every single creative endeavor you share lifts my soul. I too love old fabric, lace and clothing. I look forward to seeing what you create. Best, Kim
Dear friend what a wonderful post. I am sure you are going to enjoy every moment working with this fabric. Your great grandma passed down her gifts and left a beautiful legacy continuing to be used in your blessed creativity. Hugs!
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