Vintage Fabric - Retro Fabric - Vintage Fashion

Fantastic Vintage Fabric of the Week - Goombay Bahamian Song

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 21:19:00 +0000

Goombay Music - Papas Beat the DrumsVintage Moygashel Cotton Fabric

My favorite find of the week is a rare vintage fabric featuring words from a popular Goombay Bahamian song. It is just added and for sale on Revival Fabrics.

In this vintage Moygashel cotton fabric, you'll find the printed words to a popular Goombay Bahamian song, "Goombay Papas beat the drums again, Goombay Mommas havin fun again, Goombays do a wicked dance when they do the Goombay"

Printed on one selvage: Hand Print REGD Design U.K. No451013 (Copyright GT Britain Empire), the other selvage Moygashel Sea Island Cotton. You certainly can't beat the quality Moygashel, a world class fabric manufacturer.

A customer review on Amazon of the album Bahamas: Goombay 1951-195 gives a great description of Goombay Bahamian music.

Moygashel Island Cotton - selvage

The Sleeping Gypsy by artist Henri Rousseau - Fine Art on Vintage Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:46:00 +0000

vintage fabric - "The Sleeping Gypsy" - by artist Henri Rousseau

This retro 1960s - 1970s fabric available on Revival Fabrics depicts the 1897 painting "The Sleeping Gypsy" by French artist Henri Rousseau.

Images of this painting can be found on the book cover of Aesop's Fables, as well as other books. The Museum of Modern Art in New York houses the original "The Sleeping Beauty" Henri Rousseau painting, seen in the photo below.

You may not be able to own the original Rousseau art to hang on your wall, but what could be better than wearing it.

Fascinating Vintage Fabric of the Week - Taki 183 - Graffiti Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 06:17:00 +0000

This vintage 1970s fabric had me stumped. Are the letters and numbers from a high school year book, classroom room numbers, or maybe bible verses? I had to do a bit of research to find out the meaning behind the names and numbers.

The fabric is sold and no longer available, but please read about TAKI 183 - Graffiti Artist Pioneer.

Take a look at the center of the photo and you will find TAKI 183 in yellow.

It turns out that TAKI 183 was the alias of the very first graffiti artist written about in the media in 1971 by The New York Times. Taki was the nickname of a Greek teenager that lived in New York and 183 was the number of the street he lived.

Taki soon had copycats such as The King 145, Roberta 223, Mike 38 and many others.

You can read the full story about TAKI 183 by The New York Times dated July 21, 1971.

Check out the TAKI 183 website, you'll find photos of Taki's graffiti and biography (and The New York Times article above).

To see the history of graffiti check out the short timeline clips on "Timeline of Graffiti" TAKI 183 is the fourth clip in.

This is one historic retro fabric that I am doubtful I'll come across again. It's been said that the last whereabouts of Taki is he owns a foreign car shop.

Vintage Hawaiian Fabrics - selvage, hangtag, and label photos

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 03:59:00 +0000

Recently I found a grouping of vintage 1960s Hawaiian fabrics with fantastic selvage information, printed paper label, and paper hangtag. Selvages are 44/45 inches wide.

You'll find these vintage fabrics available on Revival Fabrics website in the Hawaiian and Tropical vintage fabric section

An excellent book and reference guide of the history of Hawaiian clothing is The Aloha Shirt: Spirit Of The Islands by Dale Hope. This is my go to book when I need to know about Hawaiian shirt makers, in depth history of the textile trade and textile artists of Hawaii. The gorgeous photos make this a book I'll never part with. (You can find a copy on Amazon)

Enjoy the photos below, let me know what you think I'd love to hear from you.

G. Von Hamm Textiles, Hawaii Print - paper label
smooth non-stretch garment polyester fabric
print colors: strawberry red, white, navy blue

Von Hamm-Young Honolulu - hangtag
VHY Hawaiian Textiles - printed on selvage
cotton with a crepe, barkcloth texture
print colors: shades of green, brown, white

G.V.H HAWAIIPRINT - printed on selvage
cotton with a crepe, barkcloth texture
print colors: white, chocolate brown, bright 1960s colors

G.V.H HAWAIIPRINT - printed on selvage
acrylic or cotton with a crepe texture
print colors: rich shades of purple and blue

Trans-Pacific Textiles LTD - printed on selvage
cotton with a crepe, barkcloth texture
print colors: shades of blue, white

G.V.H. HAWAIIPRINT - printed on selvage
smooth non-stretch garment polyester fabric
print colors: shades of green, tan, blue, white, yellow, black

VHY HAWAIIAN TEXTILES - printed on selvage
acrylic or cotton with a crepe texture
print colors: crisp white, bold and bright

The Unicorn in Captivity - Unicorn Tapestries - Vintage Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:48:00 +0000

Recently I found a vintage fabric that is my Favorite Vintage Fabric of the Week!

Known as The Unicorn in Captivity, this fabric is based on a series of medieval Unicorn Tapestries from 1495-1505, and is based on religious symbolism. The tapestries are housed at The Cloisters in New York, a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The fabric is on Revival Fabrics right now.

To read more about the incredible Unicorn Tapestries series, visit the MOMA website. Below is a photo of The Unicorn in Captivity tapestry at the MOMA

Hello 1940s! Vintage 40s Fabrics Just In

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:27:00 +0000

I'm working hard to get these fabulous vintage 1940s fabrics on the website. These are just some of the 40s fabrics that will be added to the website this week. Many are 5 - 10 uncut yards, very exiting!

Cotton, seersucker, and flannel oh my. I adore the vintage bird cotton fabric and it is an uncut 10 yard piece. Be sure to check out the
New Additions link on Revival Fabrics website in the next week for these fabrics and more

Back When Fabric was 37 cents a Yard

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:54:00 +0000

I have a thing for stickers. Smiley face stickers. Scratch n' sniff stickers. Those freebie address label stickers you get in the mail.

But the best kind of stickers are those that are still attached to a vintage fabric. Yes!

Here is a vintage circa 1950s fabric with an original Newberrys price sticker for 37 cents a yard. (the fabric has sold on RevivalFabrics.com)

Also, please check out Revival Fabrics Facebook page that has photos of vintage tags and price stickers. I'm adding more soon.

AM Northwest Design Challenge in Portland Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:53:00 +0000

I feel lucky to live in Portland, Oregon we have so much creative juices flowing --- independent and fashion designers, sewing, quilting, handbag designers, fabric stores, and even design competitions.

The television show AM NORTHWEST is airing AM Northwest Design Challenge, a competition between The Art Institute of Portland apparel design graduates and students.

Look for the challenge on Mondays and Fridays on AM Northwest from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. through February 2012.

The designers participating in the Design Challenge are:

Natalya Hebert
Germaine Barnard
Amy Sim
Lindsay Chapel

You can find the Design Challenge participant bios and Challenge information on KATU

I'll definitely be tuning in to the Challenge this Friday, January 27th.

How to Make Sewing Patterns that Fit - Video

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:23:00 +0000

Did you know that the distance from your wrist to your elbow equals your foot length? This video opens with some very cool measurement facts.

In this video you'll learn a system of how to make precisely fitting patterns from just two body measurements, your bust and hip.

You'll be amazed by this pattern making system invented in Germany in 1930 called the Golden Rule. It may just help you with that perfect fit.

‎9 yards! Vintage seersucker fabric is getting difficult to find

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:19:00 +0000

When I unfolded all 9 yards of this vintage seersucker fabric, I wanted to wrap myself up in all of it's cozy softness. Some seersucker fabrics can be a bit stiff feeling, but not this one.

Spring is right around the corner. With this much yardage, you could make a sleeveless dress, lightweight jacket cover up, skirt, and blouse.

It's on Revival Fabrics right now.

Mice-a-Roni fabric - authentic, yay or nay?

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 04:36:00 +0000

I was so excited to recently have found some Wacky Packages fabric!

But...is the fabric authentic Wacky Packages? According to the website Lost Wackys, this Mice-a-Roni fabric is vintage 1970s but lists it as "Mice-A-Roni Imitation Wacky Material"

Say it isn't so!

Wacky Packages were trading cards created in 1967 that poked fun at American products and brands. Wikipedia has some great information about Wacky Packages.

As a kid my allowance money was eaten up by the sheer volume of Wacky Packages that I bought. Now I wish that I had those packages, I'd love to see them again.

I emailed the website administrator of Lost Wackys and asked for clarification about this fabric. I'm eagerly waiting for a response. I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE 1/1/12:

I think we can assume that this Mice a Roni fabric probably is a Wacky Packages knockoff, and dates to the 1970s.

A reader on Revival Fabrics facebook wall wrote that she also owns some of this Mice a Roni fabric and says, "Topps which did Wacky Packages did NOT do this. This is refered to by everyone as a knockoff. I don't know who manufactured and designed it. If it helps, I picked mine up along with some material called Quak Goats. It looks like Quaker Oats."

Interesting stuff. Now we know that both Mice a Roni and more than likely Quak Goats also, are both knockoffs of Wacky Packages.

Cyberdeal This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:02:00 +0000

Cyberdeal This Week at Revival Fabrics!

This week only through Sunday December 5th, save 20% on your order. No minimum order needed, no hassles. Use coupon code at checkout: cyberdeal20

Julie's "Friendly" Little Rant about Upcycling

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:16:00 +0000

Have you noticed lately the words "upcycled" and "repurposed" becoming more popular? Green is good, but is Green doing a disservice to historical and vintage textiles and clothing? Decide for yourself, but don't decide until you read what my guest writer Julie Bergmans of Fab Gabs Vintage Co. has to say about it:

We live in a world where being green is becoming a necessity. In fact, many environmentally friendly choices have shifted from seeming inconvenient to simply being a habit. The campaigns of the 80’s and 90’s to “reduce, reuse, recycle” have largely done their job. I’m on the bandwagon – green is good!

Lovers of vintage everything know that reusing old things is one of the best ways to recycle in style – whether you’re decorating your home, or yourself! When green becomes bad, however, is when “green” buzz words are used to describe the destruction of pieces of history. The two words most commonly heard in the world of altered vintage are “upcycled” and “repurposed.” These words put a positive spin on something that isn’t admirable at all.

Upcycled = vintage altered in such a way that the intrinsic historical value is irreparably destroyed. It is sad, but true - this term is often used to describe perfectly good vintage items that have been damaged to make them more appealing to modern sensibilities and current trends.

Repurposed = (vintage) that was once used for one purpose, and has been adapted for another, either by redesign of simply use. Generally, a term that is acceptable for small bits & pieces of vintage items, but potentially dangerous on a larger scale.

Now, there’s a lot of worn out vintage clothing and textiles out there. You’ll never catch me getting on someone’s case because they decided to alter a dress that was shattering, or because they made one good necklace out of two or three broken ones. That’s responsible reuse – refashioning, if you will. It is one of my preferred methods of dealing with imperfect vintage.

GOOD, positive words for use of vintage things include: restored, renewed, rebuilt, revived, refashioned.

Denise Morden of Unforgettable Vintage is the best person I know to represent responsible repurposing and refashioning. She restores every piece she can to a fine, wearable state. Broken pieces, lonely components, and irretrievably damaged hats/garments are turned into beautiful creations that often look entirely authentic to the era, and ALWAYS evoke the feel and mood of the eras they are pieced from. Her Egyptian revival jewelry is a particularly excellent example.

At her business, no wearable or restorable piece is ever sacrificed for the sake of art - vintage is already art & history in one. But per her motto - nothing goes to waste. I recommend that anyone interested in "repurposed" pieces take a look at her inspiring creations.

Vintage is already wonderful. The pieces are a part of our history - both fashion history and social history. Moreover, there is a finite amount of it. Destroying something beautiful, historical and hard to find in order to satisfy the fickle tastes of now is irresponsible and short-sighted. Deconstructing it isn’t art – it is destruction. Upcycling isn’t improvement. And repurposing is frequently misused and misguided. Before you pick up your scissors, grab your glue and that bag full of random lace, think; is this item useable/wearable as it is? Can it be restored to wear/usability? If the answer is yes, then there’s no need for upcycling or other destructive measures. And there’s plenty of damaged vintage seconds you can work with instead.

If you love to create, look for components. Bits of jewelry. Broken clothing. Damaged décor. You can’t “repurpose” them – raw materials are intended to be used! But please, no more “upcycled” vintage gowns with the skirts chopped short, feathers glued on and cheap bedazzling. Believe me, in this green-minded buying culture, the pieces will still find a place with someone who will reuse them exactly as they are. Enjoy your eco-friendly collecting and crafting! Many thanks to Revival Fabrics for allowing me to share my thoughts.

Sincerely,

Julie Bergmans
Fab Gabs Vintage Co.

Julie, thank you for your insightful thoughts. Nan
Readers, do you have thoughts about this subject?

Japanese Sewing and Pattern Terms

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:44:00 +0000

I love Japanese textiles and occaisonally come across sewing patterns or other sewing related printed materials. Knowing what the common sewing terms are in Japanese help.

If you need to translate Japanese patterns or sewing magazine, check this site

September is National Sewing Month

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:59:00 +0000

We have a little over a week left of September, let's celebrate that last week and embrace our inner sewer!

September is National Sewing Month

There's even a really cool website devoted to sewing month:

www.nationalsewingmonth.org

"Official home of September is National Sewing Month co-sponsored by the Sewing & Craft Alliance and the American Sewing Guild"

VIDEO: How to Sew a Straight Stitch by Hand

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:05:00 +0000

Sometimes I don't feel like using my sewing machine.

I just want to sew something quickly. Or I don't want to run to the fabric store for more sewing machine thread if I have just enough thread for a small project.

Sometimes I just want to whip out my sewing needle and thread.

Here's a useful video for days you want to be unplugged from the sewing machine

30% off orders 9/7 only! Coupon code on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:54:00 +0000

Are you on Twitter? Follow revivalfabrics on Twitter to get the 30% off coupon code for your Revival Fabrics website order. Hurry though, the coupon code is only good through TODAY 9/7

Deal of the Day! on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:50:00 +0000

Happy soon to be Labor Day weeekend to you!

Just as a friendly note, Revival Fabrics has a Deal of the Day

Every day I pick one special vintage fabric. You get a heavily discounted price for one day only.

Find the Deal of the Day on Revival Fabrics Facebook, or on the website.

Check out today's deal, it is a sumptuous, butter soft, vintage 1940s fine cotton muslin fabric.

Five Things I Never Knew about Scissors

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:35:00 +0000

As I used my favorite pair of Fiskar sewing scissors yesterday, I wondered about the background of scissors. Here are a few interesting tidbits and knowldedge found on Wiki:

1) Scissors were invented by Leonardo da Vinci
2) You could find people in Japan playing rock-paper-scissors game in the 19th century
3) Scissors were probably invented in Egypt circa 1500 BC (hmmmm...see #1)
4) Buy sewing scissors at a fabric store and not an office supply store
5) Sewing scissors often have a sharp point blade and a blunt point blade

#4 and #5 are more "oh yeah, that's true" than never knew facts. #5 hit me as a truisim after I looked at my Fiskar scissors and realized that I hadn't thought about the blades after using sewing sewing scissors for years.

In Love with this Ethereal MOD Retro Vintage Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:39:00 +0000

Ever find a vintage fabric that just "speaks" to you?

I love the tranquil, happy, calm design of this retro fabric. *Sigh*, the rolling flower power daisy hills; hills that you'd roll down in a fit of laughter with a best friend to see who could reach the bottom first.

12 uncut lovely yards available, of MOD Tree vintage fabric

List of Sewing Magazines

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:59:00 +0000

Here is a list of my favorite sewing magazines. Be sure to keep an eye on this list as it grows. Also on on this list are online sewing pattern websites that read like hardcopy glossy magazines.

Please add a comment and tell us about your favorite sewing magazine!

General sewing:

Threads Magazine - sewing magazine for many skill levels
SewNews - "the trusted sewing source"
SewStylish - fashion, crafts, Etsy features

Online sewing pattern websites:

VoguePatterns - designer sewing patterns
BurdaStyle - sewing patterns, free patterns, online community, featured projects
McCall Pattern - sewing patterns, sewing school

Handbag sewing:

Haute Handbags - beautiful photos, for the handbag designer and handbag fashionista

Online fabric dictionary with photos

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:40:00 +0000

Just found: a really great online fabric dictionary with fabric photos. Need to know what drill, faille, or gauze looks like? Check this website out:

Fabric Photo-Dictionary Power Sewing

The Fabric Photo-Dictionary is a collection of pictures and definitions for Fabric types.

And speaking of faille fabric, this gorgeous vintage 1940s faille fabric with roses and paisley was just added to Revival Fabrics website.

EVENT: Designers Needed for Boston Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:22:00 +0000

If you have an upcoming fashion, design, textile, antique or vintage event drop me an email. I'll post it here on the blog, Revival Fabrics Facebook and Revival Fabrics Twitter.

Here's an event for Boston designers

EVENT: Designers wanted for Boston Fashion Week

High Fashion Emerging Designers Wanted for Fashion Week Show: The Emerging Trends 2010 for Boston Fashion Week promises to bring the best Euro chic designers to the Boston market. In the last two years, we have worked with over 25 international and national designers, major sponsors, buyers and press and 30 photographers from Boston and New York giving extensive opportunity for emerging designers to shine. Spots are limited and we book months in advance. At the show, you will receive all models, hair, makeup, video clips, photos, buyers contact and networking opportunity at one of the biggest and prestigious shows in Boston. Over 600 fashion forward individuals come to our show and our designers are promoted to over 200k people via online and offline marketing.

For more info about our past show, please visit: http://www.theEmergingTrends.com or our promo video from last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AezCJlFCo8.

About Us:
The SYNERGY Events (www.theSYNERGYevents.com) uses very unique online and offline marketing strategies to produce themed events in both Boston and New York City, which have been covered by Boston Globe, Fashion Boston, Boston Common, Improper Bostonian, Boston Magazine & many other online and print publications. These special events present known, and soon to be talents with a great opportunity to introduce their exceptional work, while networking and enjoying other talents from around the world.

Contact Us:
Please send all contact details with your portfolio to:
BostonFashion[at]theSYNERGYevents.com

Have an upcoming fashion, design, textile, antique or vintage event?

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:15:00 +0000

If you have an upcoming fashion, design, textile, antique or vintage event drop me an email. I'll post it here on Revival Fabrics blog.

Thanks! Nan

Answer to the Win This Vintage Fabric Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 14:53:00 +0000

CONTEST ANSWER:
The name of the red and white 1960s vintage fabric is:

"Whipped Creme" and also known as "Whipped Cream"

So called because the fabric has a subtle ripply, crepe appearance similar to whipped cream.

Thanks to entrants for entering the contest.

On Monday the fabric will be added to the website. More fun contests in the future!