Costume for Sport and other Activities......

I have recently aquired a small quantity of fashion booklets and magazines. I have had a lot of fun looking through them all. My favourite chapters have been those dedicated to costume worn for various sports.

Anyone for tennis? The first 3 photos are taken from The Gallery of English Costume, published in 1963. The model is wearing a tennis dress from 1883, the 2nd photo showing the detail of her belt and raquet cover.

 Next is a tennis dress from 1896-1900, followed by this knitted ensemble from The Needlewoman magazine of June 1934.

Still a little way to go before we can see something that one might actually be able to run around a court in!

 This tennis dress dates from 1938 and is made from cream twilled wool, and it is possible that one could win a game or two as long as it wasn't a very hot day.

This is one of my faves, a Croquet dress from 1860-65, can you imagine trying to play even something as gentile as croquet in this?

Cycling dress 1897-1902... rather groovy for the time...

 Another fab design from The Needlewoman - 1924. A knitted dress for Boating, not a pretty vision if you got it wet!

I could rattle on for hours sharing these, but have left my fave until last. "Gardening may be done in several ways. You may, clad in linen overall, labourisly pick up weeds, strenuously mow the lawn or ruthlessly dig up daisy roots.." it goes on to say that The knitted flower coatee is ideal for gentle gardening.. "let your efforts in the garden not be too strenuous". An impossibility in this outfit! I will be bringing these booklets along with a selection of Vintage clothing, Textiles, trimmings and Linens to The 60th Talent for Textiles Event in Bath on Thursday the 1st of September at The American Museum. BA2 7BD. The Fair opens at 10 and ends at 5pm. Do contact me or Elizabeth Baer if you would like an invitation to this unique event. The ticket also allows entry into the museum and exhibition of Marilyn Monroe dresses. After that I will be busy selling at both Antique and Vintage fairs, see sidebar for details.

Heartfelt - A new shop in Bristol.

Just had to share a few images from the new Heartfelt venture in Bristol. The address in 23 Alma Vale Road, Clifton. Bristol BS8 2HY.

Mandy has once again woven her magic to create a beautiful shopping experience.. rails of clothing.....hats ..shoes... jewellry..and beautiful decorative items for the home....

Every customer is made to feel welcome, and there is a small cafe area where refreshments can be enjoyed.

Mandy also offers a alterations service, so that if the clothing needs a tweak or stitch, it can be done! There is soon to be a new blog and website for the shop. I will add these to the side bar once they are up and running.

Lace........................

I was recently fortunate in having the opportunity to purchase this collection of beautiful lace. It would appear to have been several Edwardian dresses at one time.....

But for some reason they have been totally dismantled  - and now come in "kit form" for some talented person to put back together.....

My Vintage mannequin is doing her best to give you an idea.......

I will be bringing this collection of lace to the Talent for Textiles Fair in Ilminster on Saturday. The event is held in the Meeting House at the top of the High Street. Always a lovely occasion, the small hall will be brimming with textiles and treasures, and there will be stalls outside too.

The doors open at 9.30, so might see you there?