Showing posts with label cotton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cotton. Show all posts

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Unmentionables

My grandmother had seven maiden aunts who lived together for their entire lives in a big house called Wanganella. I think they had three more siblings who didn't stay in the family home, and from the stories I've heard they were an interesting family.

Recently I inherited some of The Aunts' underwear (!), which may seem a little quirky but it's rather fascinating from a textile/clothing history point of view. There are several pairs of lace-edged cotton bloomers, some sewn as separate legs joined only at the top (the easy access option for women constrained by corsets):

... and one pair in the 'entire' bloomer style, with enough room to accommodate a curvy female bottom:


In addition to the bloomers there is a pretty hand-stitched camisole (underblouse?) in a much more delicate fabric:

... as well as a pair of men's woollens that presumably belonged to one of my great-great-uncles.


(readers from Victoria will likely recognise the tag).

I think these clothes are at least 100 years old, and some are a little yellowed. If anyone can give me some tips on the best way to wash and care for them I'd be very grateful!

... also ...

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