We recently made a trip back to see family (don’t worry, I know these are crazy times and all proper precautions were adhered to- and it was a necessary trip). I did come home with some treasures, including this rather cool find from an antique store.
This was someone’s scrapbook of needlework patterns from The Modern Priscilla magazine from the WWI era. The patterns in here range from 1915-1918. Many don’t have dates or months so I can’t properly attribute the patterns with certainty, but I’m sure that many of you will enjoy the fun needlework that’s included so I’m going to try to share some here on my blog from time to time.
It was obviously well used and much loved.
The inside is quite interesting. The pages were cropped to the right height, and the patterns are pasted on top of other pages which the original owner wasn’t interested in. I admit I wish I could see the fashion pages! But this lady was much more interested in the needlework than the fashions.
So for today, I’ve got a lovely little page of camisoles or corset covers. My best guess is that these are from 1915, as the pages proceeding it are of that year, and later pages have a 1916 date.
If you do print this page out, keep in mind that the missing text at the bottom of the page is pasted up at the center of the top, covering the title of the article.
“A camisole that is dainty and practical made of crocheted lace and embroidered squares.” I love that the name of the makers are included! Gertrude, your camisole is nice.
“For wear under thin blouses. The fastening is under the arm where it does not show.”
CLEVER! If you’ve ever seen the very sheer chiffon blouses of this era, this trick makes total sense. No buttons to confuse the style lines. I don’t remember having ever run across this type of camisole before and it’s a great idea. The 1910s really were the era of endless underwear options.
This is the back of that same camisole. I love the detailing of the filet crochet that goes down the back. Keeping it interesting from front and back!
“The filling-in stitch is a feature of this nightgown yoke, showing a violet pattern.” I love the use of textures in this piece, mixing the type of lace techniques. I also think that yoke that goes across the shoulders is quite clever!
I hope you enjoy these little patterns- or, at very least, the options of decorative camisoles from the 19-teens. Remember, camisoles generally were more decorative than corset covers and were meant to be seen through the sheer blouses and semi-transparent dresses- so layer up those trims and embroideries and have FUN when creating your recreations.
Much love,
Lauren and family