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Photos by Ed Knute
It's a shame that we are unable to peek over the shoulders of the artists who created the magnificent clothing worn by privileged women of the 1600s. Talented needlewomen spent hundreds of hours, and used only the finest materials, to create these amazing works of art. Did the women who wore these stunning pieces ever think about the incredible skill and labor involved? We will never know.
While not an original, the Plimoth Jacket was conceived, and its construction managed, by Jill Hall, former head of the colonial wardrobe department of Plimoth Plantation. To view the story of its construction allows us to take a step back into another time. The jacket, which took over 3,700 hours of hand stitching and 300 people to construct, is on view at the Winterthur Museum (Winterthur, DE) through August 11, 2011.
According to the Winterthur website: "The sewing, embroidery, and lace were all entirely done by hand.The lace spangles (the tear-drop shaped sequins hanging from the lace) were created using tools made specifically for the project. The tools and techniques replicate those from the 1600s. Even the lining was hand-woven and dyed with natural indigo."
For more in-depth viewing--and the opportunity to learn more--be sure to follow the Blog of the entire process from start to glorious finish.
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