Clothes for M'sieur

This is a French farmer's chemise or shirt, dating from around the end of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th century, or possibly even up to the '30s - the shirt is a little deceiving as it is in such fine condition. It is made from coarse hemp and is so stiff, you could almost stand it up by itself.

A rare find in this lovely condition - and very popular now for historic re-enactment groups, or as a nightshirt for both men and women - even a great tunic over leggings!

You can see lots more photos in my Ebay listing here.


The collar has been added later of course: it's made of cotton and was probably added by a loving - or long-suffering - wife, fed up with the farmer complaining about how scratchy the shirt was. In fact, I'm told that some wealthy farmers would get their labourers to wear their new shirts in for them, to soften them up a little!


And of course, the farmer's wife would have added her husband's initials, as indeed she would have embroidered a monogramme on all of the family linen and clothing - including her bloomers!


I just love the yoke on this shirt - the gathers were designed to allow for movement and comfort of shape. Also, the shoulders were often reinforced for strength.

sold
And here is the cuff - lovely little white glass buttons, and the gathers which match the shoulder detail. The buttons match the front fastening too, and there is a placket down the front for 'gentlemen's ease' - don't like to think about what this means but definitely for ease of movement at least, and possibly a big belly...


Now, this of course is a much more modern farmer's shirt - made of wool, greatly reduced in quantity of fabric used, much more comfortable I guess. I haven't listed this for sale yet.


And, it's got a rather nice Parisian label, so I would think it's not for a real farmer - just to give the look for a weekend in the country, huntin', shooting and fishing...

sold

Here is another shirt, also made from hemp, but it has been washed so many times, it has lost the original honey/ecru colour and is now white. the more you wash these items, the more they lose the colour and soften up - one way of establishing the age. The fabric is soft and 'floppy' - it could be linen but I think hemp as the fibre is coarser. I haven't listed this shirt either yet.


It was probably a nightshirt due to the fact that each side has a sewn in flap or pleat for ease of walking (and getting into bed) and the neckline is cut lower.


Also, there are no buttons or button holes to put a collar on, so yes, I think it is a nightshirt - probably for summer as I have seen what was worn in winter and believe me, the nightshirts are very heavy. This has a red monogramme too - now bleached to a fetching shade of pink!

The first shirt is already listed on my Ebay site here, the other two not yet, so contact me if you would like more information.

Have a good week everyone!

My name is Carol and I am an embroidery addict...

I'm so lucky to have found this old cross-stitch wall hanging - it has had a difficult life, cut in two or three and with pieces added, pieces cut away... what a history it must have.


It is made from rough hemp/jute, with the embroidery done in wool - here is an anchor, obviously important but why?


These are obviously the owners initials, but why has been cut in two?


This is true to the actual colour - the anchor photo is a little washed out due to the intense sunlight, but I had no-where big enough to spread it out (the table indoors is full of OH's computer bits and a few other little projects he is working on)


I think it is early 19th century, possibly earlier, and sadly this might only be the right-hand third of the original work.


Excuse the dead leaves by the well - it's been so dry, the magnolia is shedding and it is a daily task to sweep up the dead leaves...


Sorry this is sold
This is another piece from the same source - it was the top of an old cushion which was literally falling apart. I unpicked it to salvage the embroidery. I think it is ecclesiastical and dates from the same period as the hanging and is from a pew seat or kneeling stool


Lovely pastel flowers

Sorry, this cloth is sold
This is a small table cloth - trimmed in blue silk fringing


A small oval cloth - hand worked mother-bird and her nest - quite sweet.

Sorry, this bird cloth is sold
It would be great under glass on a vintage dressing table or tray.


Ever popular - fine cotton worked with pastel cross-stitch flowers and leaves, with a pink scalloped edge


Again, this would make a lovely tray cloth or under glass


I ADORE this bear - he looks so intense as he rows his friends in his boat. Stitched by a young girl perhaps - a lost art I think these days -how many girls (or boys!) are taught sewing at school?

Sorry, this bear is sold
This would be lovely framed for a nursery, or topping a pillow or cushion.

Sorry, this cloth is sold
Another small square table cloth - harvest table perhaps as there is an ear of corn on opposite corners.


Sorry, this torchon is sold
A nice embroidered torchon - or tea-towel, love the lemons! Blue hearts are nice too.


Here is that ear of corn again - stitched by hand

Sorry, but this is sold
And on the other two corners is this spray of flowers.


This table cloth is just perfect for summer - just look at those Van Gogh sunflowers... just right for a picnic cloth too...the yellow silk is virtually encrusted onto the cloth.


Sorry, this sunflower cloth is sold
Well, just a few embroidered pieces I have, all of them French, ranging in styles, colours and use. You can check out my listings for these and other pieces on my Ebay shop here or just email me for more info.

I'm going to be rather busy - I have just bought another 3 bags of linen - it must all be laundered and hung out to dry - and guess what? The drought has broken and it's raining!