Mid 18th century embroidered pocket on display at the Museum of Costume in Bath, England. The exhibit is called The Pockets of History and explores the 'making, using, nature, function and significance of pockets from the 18th C to the time they eventually died out in the early 20th C.'
Apparently, women would have a pair of pockets that would be separate from their dress and worn under their petticoats. Openings in the side seams of their dress would give them access to their pockets.
There is an inordinate amount of info online on the V&A's site about the pocket exhibit, including pix of pockets, how-to-wear pockets, contents of pockets, buying and losing pockets, and a pattern & instructions for making a pocket...my gosh, more pocket info than I thought existed!
Maybe someone would like to create a new online Pocket Challenge???? Pleeease...
That's an awesome link. You were right, tons of info. I love the idea of pockets. It's too bad that fanny packs are sooooo lame, because hanging things from your waist is a great idea.
Posted by: futuregirl | January 10, 2007 at 07:31 PM
I love embroidery and these are so beautiful! They should be worn outside.
Posted by: cruststation | January 06, 2007 at 10:21 AM