I’ve been embroidering on and off since early May, on my first Georgian pocket. I originally used a pattern from Costume Close-Up: Clothing Construction and Pattern, 1750-1790
Here is my progress so far! I’m not much of an embroiderer, but I’m determined to get this done. It is the first time I’ve use long-and-short filler stitches, and I’m really liking the effect.
AND…in case you are in need of pocket inspiration, check out this awesome resource for extant pockets – VADS. This online museum also has all kinds of other things to look at, like shoes, patterns, and textiles. Here are a few of my fave embroidered pockets from this site:
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| Scottish, early to mid 18th c. Don’t you just adore the animals? |
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| early 18th c. Beautiful polychromatic embroidery, and asymmetrical too |
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| 1718-20 – beautiful, subtle embroidery on white, but in a gorgeous, intricate pattern |
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| mid-18th c. Charming pair with a different design that we normally see. All-over embroidery and contrasting binding and tape, very beautiful! |
These are just a couple of the embroidered pockets, but they also have categories for woven, printed, patchwork, undecorated, quilted, and knitted pockets. I never knew there were so many variations!
11 Comments
Caroline
June 8, 2012 at 9:00 PMGorgeous! The embroidery looks great! I'm always a little daunted by long and short stitches.
Lauren R
June 10, 2012 at 10:19 PMThe long-and-short are strangely easier than I would have thought, and produce a really nice effect. Give it a try, you'll be surprised 🙂
Anonymous
June 8, 2012 at 9:14 PMBeautiful embroidery, sad that it will be hidden under a skirt.
I just started my own pair of pockets. I'm trying to copy the strawberry pockets from the met, the ones with the crazy all over the place vine embroidery and the cheerful yellow bias tape. I have the pattern drawn out but haven't started embroidering yet.
I like the inspiration pictures too, I had not seen any of those ones.
Lauren R
June 10, 2012 at 10:19 PMThose strawberry pockets are gorgeous! Good luck 🙂
Cassidy
June 9, 2012 at 2:10 AMThat last pair is so interesting! I might try that next time I make pockets.
Cait
June 9, 2012 at 3:08 AMThank you for sharing that great resource, it is so helpful!!
I have been embroidering pockets too lately! I have an 18th century event next weekend an in n my prep for it thought it would be great fun to do my own set. Though my pattern is not from any extant sources, but rather from a quilting book from the period. But alas they will not be finished in time to wear at the event so now I can sit around an work on them at the event 🙂
KittyKatt
June 9, 2012 at 2:57 PMPerfect "Pocket Junk" items for your costume (see previous article)
Hope you have fun at your event!
Lauren R
June 10, 2012 at 10:20 PMKittyKatt beat me to it – perfect pocket trash! Have fun at your event 🙂
Stephanie Schoelzel
June 9, 2012 at 7:55 AMFor any one who lives nearby… quite a few years ago, I saw quite a number of lovely pockets at the West Chester Historical Society. At that time the collection was resident in a lovely home originally built in the 1600s. I assume that all the clothing and textiles have been moved to the museum in town now.
Also, can't help but share a story told by my great grandmother Penelope True, circa 1870 in her diary. She was the "school teacher" at a nearby town and, on a visit home road double on a horse with her cousin who came to get her. Over the course of the trip she, much to her distress, lost everything out of her pockets (money, little presents to family, etc.) as they jounced along, but didn't discover it until she reached home. Her pockets were essentially the same as the ones pictured here with the slit opening.
Lauren R
June 10, 2012 at 10:21 PMWhat a wonderful story! I BET she was distressed!
Sandy
July 11, 2013 at 4:04 PMWhat lovely site these pockets are!! I love the tale of the grandmother who lost her pocket contents :/ I am at colonial williamsburg now and have just purchased my pocket kit