Check it Out

After months of overworking my seam ripper, accidentally stabbing myself, and receiving much needed guidance from my patient adviser, (along with overcoming many other roadblocks,) I just stitched the last few lining seams in place and my stays are finally done!

From what I've heard and researched, plain linen (which I find too boring) or blue checked linen were the most common. According to Textiles in America, "In John Holker's manuscript of about 1750...blue-and-white linen-and-cotton checks were made in the Manchester area 'for home consumption and for export, especially to the colonies. They were used for sailors' blouses, children's clothing and linings.'" (p197). I searched high and low but couldn't find a blue check linen that I really love, much like the lining on this pair of stays...

Stays c1725-1750

The label reads, "Another interesting-albeit hidden-element is the lining 

made from two types of blue-checked linen."

Philadelphia Museum of Art Accession Number 1903-136

...so I used a scrap of black check linen for now, until I find the right sized check pattern in blue linen. Here are some pictures..."check" it out!

 I was a little short on fabric here and had to piece together two smaller scraps...I kind of like the 

contrast it creates in the check pattern.

 I took advantage of the selvedge edge.

 I'm so glad it's done!