From: Gretchen Miller Date: Fri, 3 Dec 1993 18:01:57 -0500 (EST) Subject: H-Costume Digest, Volume 12, 12/3/93 The Historic Costume List Digest, Volume 12, December 3, 1993 Send items for the list to h-costume@andrew.cmu.edu (or reply to this message). Send subscription/deletion requests and inquiries to h-costume-request@andrew.cmu.edu For archives of this digest, send mail to close@lunch.asd.sgi.com Thanks and Enjoy! --------------------------------------------------------------- Topics: More on the Uniquely Yours dress form Queries and another biography Hints on textiles from the Smithsonian ------------------------------------------- Date: 02 Dec 1993 23:55:24 -0800 (PST) From: Marjorie Subject: dress forms Karen Walter's query about Uniquely You dress form --- Karen, I think you'd like the U. Y. I *love* mine! It is easy to work with (though it does take help fitting), and can be *corseted* to fit a bodice! Mine (a large) has about 2" arm extensions (nubs, really), but if you were to fit the shoulder so it drops a bit at shoulder point I think It would do just nicely. The U. Y. people advise getting a form one size up from what you might think: I think that's wise. It's much harder to pad out than take in the cover. I have *never* regretted buying my U. Y. Do watch for a sale: some chain fabric stores discount to 40%, and it's worth waiting for! Although I'm not the person who posted their praise of the U. Y., I do recommend it to everyone I know. Since I sometimes use mine for garment display, I got a styrofoam wig head, sliced its neck off at an angle, poked a hole in the neck of the U. Y. form, inserted a dowel, and had an instant head/hatstand for my form! Even with your fitting problems, I think you'd be happy with U. Y.! BTW-- a friend of mine tells about being wrapped in cast fabric and plaster to make a form for herself....she kept looking down to see when it was dry, and ended up with a *hunchback* form.... ;-) Much luck and patience making your choice!! ==Marjorie ---------------------------------------------- Subject: Intro/questions Date: Fri, 3 Dec 1993 11:43:03 -0800 (PST) From: Dawn Devine Hello All First a few questions: What are some oppinions on the recently published "Ladies Gallery"? I have purchased and read cover to cover the first three issues and am trying to come to an informed decision about subscribing. My feelings are mixed. Some photography is good...others are poor. Are there any oppinions out there? Has anyone seen the book "With Grace and Flavor: Women's Victorian and Edwardian Era Fashions" This is an exhibition guide that accompanies a travelling exhibit launched by the Cincinnate Art Museum. I am thinking about ordering a copy... but would like to hear any comments available before purchase. Now the bio- My names is Dawn Devine and I am a student at the University of California San Diego. I am a "second Generation fan" having grown up among SCA/Ren Fair/SciFi conventioneers. Costume has been apart of my life since first appearing as a 'Vulcan Baby' at the age of 6mo. I am a dual major Art History/Theatre in my fifth year as an undergrad. Currently I am working on my senior honors thesis "Fifteenth Century Costume: Reflections of the Female Aesthetic" A discussion of portraiture as a means of exploring the artistic output of women. (I am not however, not in the SCA) I work at the La Jolla Playhouse as design assistant and stitcher. In addition, I am an associate programming coordinator for the San Diego Comic Con in charge of costume programming. I am enjoying this mailing list and want to thank the creator and all who have contributed--for once I look forward to reading my mail!! May your days be filled with December magic, Dawn Devine ------------------------------------------------------------- From: close@lunch.asd.sgi.com (Diane Barlow Close) Subject: Free pamphlets on textile conservation Date: Fri, 3 Dec 1993 14:39:05 -0800 (PST) I recently wrote to the Smithsonian for some free tip sheets about textile conservation. I found them to be quite useful. Here's what they have available for free from their National Museum of American History, Division of Textiles, collection: * Some thoughts on textile conservation. * An introduction to textile conservation. * Hints on storing antique textiles in the home. * The care and cleaning of antique cotton and linen quilts. * Mounting flat textile objects using velcro. * Mounting large textiles (such as quilts and coverlets) on a frame for exhibition. * Hanging a large textile for temporary exhibition (using a rod threaded through a casing). * Care of Victorian silk quilts and slumberthrows. I asked for copies of the first five and am very pleased with the information presented in the brief (2-5 pages) format. Here's where to write: Smithsonian Institution Visitor Information & Associates' Reception Center Public Inquiry Mail Service SI Bldg., Rm. 153, Stop 010 Washington, DC 20560 -- Diane Barlow Close close@lunch.asd.sgi.com I'm at lunch today. :-) ------------------------End of Volume 10-----------------------------