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November 16, 2020 | Uncategorized

Still cleaning?

Just dropping in to say hello and hope everyone is staying safe at home!  I’m sure you’ve all been spending your time doing the same thing I have – spring cleaning!  I’ve decided it’s a year long project!  To motivate myself now that the grey, rainy weather is here, I thought I’d start sharing some of the treasures I’ve dusted off.  This very unique young women’s sports costume from the 1860’s is comprised of tunic style dress over separate pantaloons.  It is wool with a glazed cotton lining, machine sewn and hand finished.  It was purchased at a vintage clothing store San Jose California.  I don’t think we’ll ever really know if it was meant to be a bathing costume or worn for callisthenics, or if it has political overtones!  The bloomer costume style initiated in the 1840’s was a push for trousers to be incorporated into women’s wear of the day.  This garment has never been wet .. so the mystery continues.