Say It With Linens
A few years ago I bought some vintage raw silk yardage and a single-size linen sheet with gorgeous hem-stitching. I finally got around to turning them into pirate shirts for my daughter and son-in-law. I was able to incorporate the hem-stitching on shirttails, cuffs, and collar of the man’s shirt, and then I trimmed them out with vintage lace that I’ve had for 15 years.
Pirate shirt from vintage linen and lace.
Wench’s shift from vintage raw silk and lace.
Authentically wrinkled linen!
Detail of the lace around the cuffs.
The full effect. No, I did not make that excellent pirate jacket! Also, I think all pirate wenches wore pink sneakers.
Since I was making these “long-distance”, I couldn’t check with the recipients on fitting and on every little detail, so I told them to feel free to change whatever they wanted when they got them. They moved the lace from the man’s collar down to add another layer to the cuffs, but otherwise everything worked.
Of course if you look hard you can see the machine stitching, but I think that having the right fabric helps create a more authentic look. They wore these to the Renaissance Festival in our area, for Pirate Weekend. It makes me happy that two glorious pieces of fabric have been put to good use once more!
And, you might remember my big prize at the auction — two of my daughter’s friends have offered good homes to some of those linens. One girl is borrowing six damask tablecloths for her wedding – she doesn’t care that they are different sizes and patterns. The other girl asked for any fabric tablecloths and napkins that I didn’t want, so she can have reusable items instead of using paper all the time. It makes me really happy to see the younger generation realize the beauty and practicality of textiles.
Sewing clothes especially for individuals who are in another city/state, is no easy task. I’ve made clothes for grandchildren and have had to adjust, so learned to take my machine along. I like your pirate shirts as they do look authentic.
I made each one twice! One was way too wide, the other one too skinny. Oh well, they turned out in the end, and now they are out of my closet! 🙂
Good job! Wonder how ‘they’ kept these things clean 🙂 Like the pink sneakers with the outfit and I really don’t like pink………………. was very happy to see ‘younger’ women using linen napkins etc. I have always used linen and people look at me like…what??
Often times they won’t use the napkins because ??? they had to be ironed ? they are white?? I just don’t get it……..must be me 🙂 I was thrilled (jealous) when you got that ‘haul’ at the auction!!
We decided that when pirate clothes got dirty they must have just attacked another ship and stolen new clothes. 🙂
That was a great haul at the auction – I doubt if I will come across a trove like that again. There was nothing rare, but lots of things that are usable. Someday I will try some dyeing and quilting with some of the items.
haha, toss ’em and steal more 🙂 I saw a post by rebecca@needleandspindle.com re reusing fabrics to Give wrap, using the Asian system of wrapping gifts with fabrics, you probably saw it also…need to be reminded of these things!
What a great way to use some of your vintage linens! I have so many damaged pieces that I’ve gotten over the years and can’t sell–I never know what to do with them. I like that you have the vision, and ability, to re-make the good fabric and trim into something fun!
I have so many pieces that I just rearrange and pet gently while pondering what to do with them — it was great to find a use for two of them. 🙂
I kept thinking of Seinfeld’s puffy shirt -sorry. Vintage raw silk??? If you have any left, you could try dyeing/painting it. And I know that folks who do renaissance fairs are sticklers for good costumes. It was good you could help out there.
I think Seinfeld’s shirt is beyond my capabilities – all the little elastic bands would be spaced unevenly if I did it. 🙂
The silk was not in great shape – it had some scorch marks and tiny holes, which I thought a pirate wench could explain away as powder burns. I do want to try painting and dyeing the other pieces – I love the sandy texture.