I'm fascinated that in previous decades women took the time and made the effort to create special garments for times that don't even exist anymore. Convalescence? Who does that anymore; who has time for that? Perhaps we just aren't sick for as long anymore, or maybe we just don't give ourselves the chance to rest.
But if I were to convalesce I would definitely want something "very feminine and softly becoming." Wouldn't you?
Look for this in my shop next month, after I've finished all that satin stitch.
I have looked long and hard for a bed jacket ! I remember my grandma having one. I read in bed and a bed jacket seems like it would be just perfect!
ReplyDelete"Convalescence? Who does that anymore; who has time for that? Perhaps we just aren't sick for as long anymore, or maybe we just don't give ourselves the chance to rest."
ReplyDeleteI would be more inclined to believe the latter is true... we think ourselves invincible. It's not often that someone dies of 'consumption' (I never understood what that meant but it keeps appearing in LM Montgomery books) whereas I guess in those days it's quite common to have someone fall sick and die so they take their health more seriously?
That is exactly (except for the satin part) what I have dreamed up for after my next baby is born. Only God knows when that will be but I now know what to look for when I want it.
ReplyDeleteJessica
Suddenly I have a desire for a satin bed jacket. I want to convalesce for some reason, something not too serious or long. I've been reading some old novels recently (Daphne Du Maurier just this week) and I envy them all the time they are forced to stay in bed for a little fever. I'm sure the grass is always greener. . .
ReplyDeleteI echo Jessica's idea. As soon as this post came up on my reader, I thought, that would be ideal as a nursing cover - especially when receiving visitors in the hospital after delivery.
ReplyDeleteYes, that sure beats a hooded sweatshirt! I'm expecting in September, and an official "convalscence" bed jacket might be in order... ;)
ReplyDeleteThat is just lovely! I think we don't give ourselves time to rest like we once would have...
ReplyDeleteLilian, Consumption is an old name for Tuberculosis. Before penicillin and modern medications, it was much more widespread and generally fatal.
Great vintage piece :)
ReplyDeleteLilian: "Consumption" is an old fashioned name for Tuberculosis.
I think medical advances have shortened our recovery times, so there's isn't as much of a need to "convalesce" these days.
Lilian: "consumption" was tuberculosis, as far as I know.
ReplyDeleteAnd now Anna has me wondering about bed jackets. My hoodies serve as something like bed jackets when I need it...
Isn't it wonderful how ephemera like vintage patterns get you thinking about history?
ReplyDeleteI found a beautiful pink quilted satin bed jacket at a flea market several years ago, and saved it in my closet for the day I had a baby, because in old movies or TV shows it seemed that all the women wore bed jackets in that situation, because they'd spend a week in the hospital knitting, getting flowers and chocolates, etc. My day arrived this past winter and I took it out, thrilled to wear it!
Unfortunately, I didn't find it practical because I was up and out of bed trying to do things quite soon... O, the rush of modern life.
Hilarious post-script: I DID wear the bedjacket to a college class once!!! I just couldn't stand that beautiful thing hanging in my closet and not being worn. I put it on over a white sweater and tried to pass it off as... what? Not sure. I can't even imagine what people must have thought of me.
Actually, bed jackets would be very useful in nursing homes for patients in wheelchairs, but you just can't find them - or patterns for them anymore. My mom was telling me how the wheelchair bound patients get chilly around the shoulders, but a robe is too bulky and gets to hot in the seat area, and sweaters are too heavy. She has been knitting lightweight shrugs for them, but I would love to find a nice pattern to make up some lightweight bed jackets to give to them.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we just convalesce in sweats and t-shirts instead. No one dresses up for anything anymore. Sad.
ReplyDeleteI actually bought one of Anna's bed jackets, here http://www.etsy.com/transaction/15944261
ReplyDeleteShe made it from a thrifted silk sweater. I never owned one before and never thought to own one, but it caught my eye.
I've used it many times - maybe if I'm in a lightweight nightie and the nights are suddenly getting cooler - like that. I also am prone to bad, long-lasting headaches, and I used to put it on if I was in bed all day. It makes you feel a little better! (I've found that good old Exedrin helps, so I don't lie in bed the way I used to)
It adds some elegance to life, I think.
Similarly, I remember being confined to bed for quite minor illnesses as a child. You knew you were better because you got very bored but somehow you weren't quite well enough to manage a whole day downstairs.
ReplyDeleteI have my Nana's pale blue satin bed jacket. It has a lace overlay and it's one of my treasures. I am sorely tempted to check your shop for another :).
ReplyDeletePerfect for when we turn the heat low during winter, as we sit reading in bed. Loved the pretty piping. Better make more, it sure is cute!!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling Mamie Eisenhower had many Satin Bed Jackets. When I read your post it made me think of my recent visit to the Eisenhower Farm in Gettysburg and this description. "The Master Bedroom displays many photos of friends and family and was where Mamie met with staff members, wrote correspondence, planned her social agenda and met with close friends, all while propped up on pillows. Mamie believed that once a woman reached the age of 50 she was entitled to stay in bed until noon!"
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