Opinion
The JC Archive Blog No.18 – Why not make your summer clothes now?
It's summer so make yourself a new wardrobe using tips from 90 years ago. You might get a bit hot though...
June 11, 2018 07:43
1 min read
It's summer so make yourself a new wardrobe using tips from 90 years ago. You might get a bit hot though...
June 11, 2018 07:43Yes, you read that right (and if you didn’t, go back and read it again.) Oh, and while you are making your summer clothes, you just might want to make them out of wool weave, which drapes well. That’s what Selfridges advise, anyway.
No, not Selfridges of today. Selfridges of 90 years ago – the summer of 1928 (27th April 1928, to be exact).
Make your own clothes today, and you’ll be breaking from standard social norms. In 1928, Selfridges had departments full of cloth and trimmings. Selfridges was a superstore, huge and fantastic – in their own words
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Selfridges is always interesting and always changing. No two minutes during business hours are the stocks, the arrangements, the displays alike. These many acres of floor space form a kaleidoscopic EXPOSITION of the novelties and beautiful products of the needle, the loom, the machine, and the artist's hands. |
So, when making your summer clothes, you have the option of wool, wool and wool. Sorry, Selfridges put it slightly differently. Wool Weave, which drapes well, Cashmere Suitings in neat designs, or the latest Melange Effect in fancy weaves…
The colour range is wide but not bright. Most of the fabrics come in:
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Chanel Red, Beige, Almond, Cocoa, Natural Lido, Salmon, Mulberry, Caramel, etc., Navy. Ivory, also Black and Marl Mixtures. |
So, no bright oranges or glowing yellow, though I wonder – what colour is Chanel Red?
Anyway, besides for fabric, you need a pattern. Selfridges sell those too – McCall Quarterly Fashion Book, according to Selfridges, is just what you need.
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With McCall patterns it is so easy! Each pattern has the names, inside guide lines and sewing instructions printed on the pieces, together with sewing details and suggestions for finishing. Why not ask for them in the Pattern Department on the First Floor when you are choosing your new fabric? |
Great idea. I think I’ll do that next time I pop in to Selfridges. Though I better check the address, because:
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"Everyone knows this store— so there’s no sign o'er the door” |
Great.
Why not make your summer clothes now? I think Selfridges is a good place to buy cocoa coloured wool fabric. It’ll keep you cosy and warm right through the English summer!
Rivka Goldblatt is a genealogist specialising in Jewish family history. Her website is www.jewishfamilyresearch.com
