#bows and trimmings
Green flannelette corset, 1900
Image of embroidery detail. A busk front corset produced in 1900. It is made from a heavy green flannelette, which has been lined with brown twill. Part of the Symington Collection of corsetery and swimwear collection. Some of the collection is on display at Snibston Discovery Museum, Coalville or can be viewed by appointment at the Collections Resources Centre
Two types of ribbon and the reinforcement stitching provide the decoration on an otherwise plain corset. The scalloped edged ribbon has been overlapped with a straight edged one. The top stitching used secures the ribbon while strengthening the top edge of the corset
Post link
Muslin dress, 1870-73
White polonaise trimmed with mauve bows and ruching with mauve sash and skirt
This lightweight over skirt is fastened loosely with pretty lilac fabric bows. The edges of the fabric have been pinked, with special scissors, to give the zigzag edge. The pinking, while giving a decorative finish ,also prevents the fabric from fraying.
Post link
Women’s cape, c1900
Grey blanket cloth reversible white striped fringed thick wool
The fuzzy fringing with striped edges gives a very interesting finish to the plain grey side of this cape and picks up the bold stripes on the other side. The fleecy quality of the fabric means it doesn’t fray. Fringing has been popular throughout the world, often used on non-fraying fabrics such as leather or suede garments. Native American dress is one example of how effective this decoration can be on simple shapes.
Post link
Black Bag Large Floral Embroidery with Fringe, c1917
Fringing was originally a decorative way of knotting unfinished lengths of fabric so they didn’t fray. In this case the fringing is purely decorative, as it has been sewn onto the silk shawl. It will also add weight so it hangs nicely and when worn will ripple when the wearer moves.
Post link
