Some Summer Sewing Silliness

I have been saving a number of funny, weird or interesting photos in the hopes that I could work them into some blog in the future.  But, I've just decided to throw them all into today's blogs for a day of distraction.

First, this is the funniest costume photo I've ever seen.  These poor terrified kids, but can you blame them?

Next, I love photos of period interpretations of other periods.  Here is a photo from 1892 of the first production of Haddon Hall, an operetta by G.S.Gilbert, but the music is by Sydney Grundy, not Arthur Sullivan. So, this is a 19th Century's costumer's idea of what 16th Century clothing was like. The main problem is, they are using a 19th Century corset. Think how much better it would be with the correct bodice shape! But ... you know the skirt isn't right either.  The whole gown is basically a 1890's shape with 16th Century detailing.

AND, if you are interested and if you live in the Washington DC area, the Victorian Lyric Opera Company will be producing this work this coming February and March.

Here are two photos that are currently in the window of my town's historical society.  This is a 1920's interpretation of colonial dress. What ARE those wigs made of? And I especially like the girl on the left in her waistless dress with the shadow of a single round hoop showing through the skirt. Of course these are kids dressing up for the 4th of July parade. But, still you can see the 1920's style influenced how they were dressed up.

And here's a 1950's version of Victorian dress. The handbag on the forearm and the make-up are a dead giveaway. I wish I could see the dress better. Looks like she is trying to be Judy Garland singing "Clang, clang, clang went the trolly ... "

Which leads me to a real 1920's photos of these WONDERFUL swimming costumes. To bad these still aren't in style. I think many of us would like that much coverage ... not so sure about the hats, though.

And ... well ... 'nuff said.

And here is the funniest care label I've ever seen.

Now this excerpt from a vintage Singer Sewing manual was circulating on Facebook a while back. But, if you haven't read it yet, please do. Actually, it's worth reading again. It explains so much about how far women have come in the last 50 years or so.

I mean ... they were serious!

And just a little verse that means something to me.  Back in the day when Martha McCain and I were working in the New York costume shops, she would recite this to me whenever we were working with any kind of fur.  I really don't know how she could remember all the words, they are like a tongue twister.  

Recently she emailed this to me.  It brought back fond memories of that time.  Plus it is a fun verse.

Happy Summer!