Not all underwear in the 1920s was made of woven silk and cotton fabric. 1920s everyday underwear was also made of knit fabric. Knit lingerie in the 1920s often came in white and pastel colors and was made of silk, rayon and cotton knit fabric. For my knit envelope chemise, however, I refashioned an old bedsheet!
Cotton knit ‘Union Suits cling with a smooth perfection that will delight you.’ (Montgomery Wards Catalog, 1926)
The envelope chemise was a popular combination garment in the 1920s: It combined the camisole and knickers in one garment. It was a favorite among 1920s flappers who preferred to wear only the bare necessities under their dresses! Continue reading 1920s Pink Satin Envelope Chemise
Nightcaps or sleeping caps were worn while sleeping to keep the hair tangle-free and – especially silk nightcaps – to make the hair glossy. Nightcaps have a long history and even today silk caps are recommended for long or curly hair. Read on to find out why and how Edwardian and WW1 women wore nightcaps and how to make a vintage silk sleeping cap for yourself!
In the Victorian era, nightcaps were worn by all women, young and old. Continue reading History Of The Nightcap – Victorian And Edwardian Hair Care
Roasted salted almonds – an easy, satisfying snack – were already popular in the Victorian and Edwardian era.
‘At intervals about the center were cut glass and fancy china dishes of pimolas, salted almonds, and pecans, and pink and green confections, with little fancy Venetian salt dishes conveniently near the plates.’ (The Home Science Cook Book, 1902)
In the Victorian and Edwardian era, salted almonds were served at formal dinners, such as at Christmas dinners: ‘Salted almonds make a nourishing side dish at luncheon, or for dessert.’ (Meals Medicinal, 1905) Continue reading Salted Almonds – Historical Recipes
‘All fruit juices make refreshing drinks and punches.’ (Mrs. De Graf’s Cook Book, 1922)
This old-fashioned lemonade is so delicious and easier to make than you’d think! It’s an old recipe: I found the homemade lemonade recipe in “Mrs. De Graf’s Cook Book”, which was published in 1922. All you need for this old-fashioned lemonade is lemons, sugar and water. You basically make a syrup which you later dilute with water. Continue reading Old-Fashioned Lemonade Recipe
At the moment I’m making a DIY tape lace collar for my 1920s rayon chiffon dress. But instead of tape I’m using bobbin lace. This original 1920s tape lace collar with bobbin lace is my main inspiration. Continue reading DIY Tape Lace Collar
‘There are certain types of girls and women to whom violets seem to belong.’ (Ruth Wyeth Spears, 1920s)
In this tutorial I’ll show you how to make authentic 1920s ribbon violets and how to wrap wire stems with embroidery floss. Continue reading 1920s Violets – Ribbon Flower Tutorial
‘A well-made rosette of two-toned double faced ribbon gives just the right touch at the waistline of the simple but smartly cut evening frocks so much in the vogue.’ (Ruth Wyeth Spears, 1920s)
Ribbon rosettes were popular dress accessories in the 1920s – they were usually worn at the shoulder or waist. A while ago I made a ribbon rosette for my 1920s turquoise taffeta robe de style and the dress looks much more finished with the rosette.
For this new ribbon rosette I used original 1920s instruction. The 1920s ribbon rosette is really easy and fast to make! Continue reading DIY 1920s Ribbon Flower – Tutorial
Buckram is a very stiff fabric, almost like cardboard. Buckram is used for millinery and historical clothing. You can buy buckram but buckram is easy to make at home: All you need is cornstarch and cotton or linen fabric – I usually use cotton canvas, twill or Aida cloth. Continue reading How To Make DIY Buckram For Millinery & Historical Clothing
This strawberry custard recipe is from the 1930s! I found it in one of grandma’s cookbooks while clearing out her house. Continue reading Old-Fashioned Strawberry Dessert