Hello and happy Wednesday!
Monday's post seemed to hit a chord with people. Sue's email though was the funniest: "I agree the fabrics are reminiscent of men's PJs, but they also remind me of my Dad's boxer shorts which I had to iron. My ironing wasn't good enough for his shirts. I was smart. My younger sisters got the important ironing. Surely there's a lesson there."
I too had to iron my Dad's hankies around age 6 but I don't remember Nana making us do Pop's boxers. I think she probably wanted us playing and not underfoot. When and how did you start ironing?
But this conversation got me thinking. There were times during the history of quilting that men's wear fabrics were a big part of quilting. Most prominently, shirtings.
I have always thought this top was circa 1900 although it is difficult to say for sure. The top is comprised of men's shirtings which gives it a nice airy look.
The top also features conversation fabric like below. This kind of shirting was popular in the late 1800s for men's shirtings and often pieces of the fabric can be seen in quilts during that time.
Later, maybe in the 1990s (can't remember for sure) there was reproduction fabric made that featured conversation. All I know was that I bought some and later made this quilt from the fabric.
Then I thought about quilts I had seen from the 1950s...and even earlier. I can't remember many masculine prints being featured in any quilt. Yet I know that lots of women sewed and there must have been more fabrics suitable for pajamas and boxers at fabric stores and factory outlets.
I think that women gravitated to more pretty prints (maybe?). Or didn't want people to think that Dad's boxers had been recycled in the family quilt. 😁
Still some of the prints from men's pajamas back then were pretty neat. Take a look at these:
Would you include any of these fabrics in a quilt you were making?
Have a safe and happy day!
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