Tag Archives: textile patterns

A Remade Sari Dress, 1971

I was ready to call this remake of a sari an unwelcome appropriation of traditional clothing.  A South Asian woman on my block who sold her saris before she died expressed a final wish that they not be cut up … Continue reading

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Christmas Tamales, 1960

If you are lucky enough to live in an area where people have come from Mexico or Central America, you might know about the Christmas tamale tradition.  Although this sweet or savory confection is made for many different holidays, it … Continue reading

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Big Hair, Big Shoes 1960s

This wonderful photo was sent to me by Nann Hilyard, who has made several contributions to the blog.  Although the Silver Slipper has now relocated to Missouri, in the 1960s it was a major attraction on the Los Vegas strip.  … Continue reading

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Dog Days of Summer

It’s hot where I live in Southern California, although I’m close enough to the ocean to get some cool breezes.  I dress for the heat in light weight pants and cotton shirts, preferably very thin Indian cotton. However, many women choose … Continue reading

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Unquilting/Requilting, 1970

This picture portrays a West Virginia coop turning old quilts into new items.  If you look carefully, it appears that the oldest woman in the back on the right is hand stitching a pillow, while the woman at the far … Continue reading

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“It’s Fine for Us,” Rural Electrification Poster

Graphic artist Lester Beall made a series of posters in the 1930s and 1940s advertising the goals of the Rural Electrification Administration.  As the name implies, the New Deal Era program aimed to bring electricity to the countryside, which was … Continue reading

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Grand Opening at the Waffle Shop, 1931

I chanced upon this wonderful photo in a search for polka dresses—a favorite theme of mine.  You never know what you will find! There isn’t much of a backstory to the photo, but I imagine it was opening day at … Continue reading

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Lois Alexander and the Black Fashion Museum

Most fashion museums focus on the works of famous designers and the clothes of the well-off women who supported them.  The Black Fashion Museum, which existed from 1979 to 2007, had a different mission.  Under the leadership of the visionary … Continue reading

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Mother Bloor in Life Magazine, 1938

You are forgiven for not knowing who Mother Bloor (Ella Reeves Bloor, 1862-1951) is, even though she got her own page of photos in Life magazine in 1938 on the occasion of her 76th birthday.  One of the United States’ … Continue reading

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A Very Colorful Kitchen

For those fond of pattern mixing, here is one for you!  We have plaids and geometrics on the walls and floors, flowers on the table and apron, a paisley dress, and a figurative drawing on the curtains.  In short, there … Continue reading

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