Comments on: Florence Peto Part II

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:58:46 +0000

Your Eco garment class sounds like one I would love to take. I think this is the future for fashion. It will take awhile to take hold, but I think this is a trend that we will be following for a very long time.

There is a shop close to where I live that is very tiny, but filled with a sparse collection of clothing from primarily Italy. There is only one of each item. Three years ago, I purchased an amazing silk “coat” with a sequined shell to wear to a holiday party. Each piece could be dressed down to wear with jeans or casual slacks. When I peek in her windows, I am inclined to go home and copy her designs because they are all unique. On her sheives she sells antique porcelain and collectibles she picks up at estate sales. It is a fascinating mix. I think she could easily trend toward the sale of upcycled wear if she would be open. One has to start somewhere!

By: Suella

Suella — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:08:30 +0000

The Manon Gignoux site was intriguing, but I was frustrated not to be able to enlarge the images to see further details. I would love to be able to see a pdf of any article you might have on her. I’ll do a through google search as well.

This year I have chosen to re-purpose and up cycle garments in my Textile Design course. Further information on Manon Gignoux would be most welcome. In April I will be taking an additional 10 week course in Eco garments, which essentially will be using old fabric and garments to make something new-to-me. The tutor is a couture level constructor and full of enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to it very much.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:54:01 +0000

I went back to the post to view the quilt again, and then I looked through the two books that I have on the quilt collection from the Shelburne Museum. I did not find the quilt in these books, but that does not mean it has not been published. If you give me a little time, I will call the museum and see what additional information I can glean from them, and then I will send you an email. Have you also seen my post on Manon Gignoux? She is doing some remarkable things with old clothing and textiles. If you want I can send you this article as well. Just let me know.

By: Suella

Suella — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 07:16:28 +0000

The Civil War quilt use of the shield shaped pieces bordering the section above the soldiers could be copied into an heraldic textile. I am intrigues and inspired by the quilt and would love to know more about its provenance.

This technique would be of great interest to me to use in my upcycling and alteration of old garments.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:30:04 +0000

I do apologize for this inadequacy with my photos. At the time I was taking photos with my phone since my camera was being repaired. Now I have my camera back, so there is no excuse. By the way, the V & A Museum is having a very special exhibit of quilts from England and perhaps all of Great Britain this spring. Many women from the US are going over on tours just to see this exhibit. You might want to take advantage of this wonderful event!

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:25:19 +0000

jude! Wow! You have that book? I am very impressed. I looked at some of the out-of-print book sites, and it is beyond my budget if you can even find it. I hope you have yours under safe keeping.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:23:25 +0000

It is funny, but I had the same thought. But perhaps in those days women simply had to play the role of a very traditional homemaker. Florence was obviously very gifted and advanced in her thinking. She was hunting down quilts before anyone even gave it a serious thought. I would love to know what she actually paid for some of these masterpieces. Artistic identity is a different thing today. I think we are more willing to accept a bohemian look. Back then it would have been rebellious, given the quilts she was searching for (I think).

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:15:53 +0000

I have never made a Mariner’s Compass, but it would be the graduation of a master’s program for sure.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:14:51 +0000

What a nice thing to say! I always wanted to be a guide in a museum so I guess I am vicariously living my dream.

By: debraann

debraann — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:58:51 +0000

The quilt is divine and your commentary is wonderful too. It is almost like being led through a lovely museum where you can learn the most interesting things about the things you love. Thanks for the tour and for sharing the beauty of the quilts.