A couple of days ago while rearranging my wardrobe I got an interesting idea. Throughout the years I have collected many pieces of clothing from various parts of the world.
Some I bought myself others I acquired through family. Each and everyone represents a unique piece of work representing the culture and the tradition of the countries they originated from.
The first in the series is this Romanian blouse. As the name suggests it came from Romania (Europe) and was brought as a gift to my mother in law when she was a young girl. When I was a young bride she gave it to me knowing my love for needle point and embroidery and I am eternally happy and thankful about this gift.
The blouse is made of a handmade soft and transparent cotton showing traditional Romanian needle point pattern and style. It is quite big and comfortable. There are three embroidered columns at the center front divided by an intricate white pattern in silk yarn. At the back there are only a few scattered, blue embroidered diamonds.
The sleeves are also quite roomy and densely embroidered. They are tied by tassels.
(Sleeve detail)
Hope you enjoyed the post.
I love it! the shirt and the post ;-)
ReplyDeleteDon't you love the style! The fabric looks beautiful and is the needlework. I used to wear this style all the time when I was a teen, but it certainly is a classic style. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is so fashionable these days! Would look gorgeous on jeans! What a lovely gift from your mother-in-law Maya, I can imagine you're still extremely happy with this blouse!
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds fascinating, and I love the shirt, Maya.
ReplyDeleteA lovely blouse Maya, and very cool idea for a series!
ReplyDeleteOh! I am going to love this series. Please open that closet of yours!! That blouse looks lovely on you. I haven't had a chance to visit Romania, but hope to one day.
ReplyDeleteWhen we travel I always try to pick up clothing or a special fabric to remember the journey - its often much nicer than a touristy nicnak, non?
Thank you all!
ReplyDeleteKJ it certainly is! Especially for a person with an ethnic flare like me!
I, too, am going to enjoy this series so much. Your blouse is stunning, so much work involved. I have done a lot of travelling but the only clothing related keepsake I bought was a Guatemalan Indian costume which, although absolutely amazing, is not really the sort of thing I can wear down the high street!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend and thanks for the get well wishes x
shirt is so beautiful..
ReplyDeleteThe blouse is awsome Maya!! I just love the colors!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm really curious about the other items you'll show to us!
I love the shrit, and you look stunning in it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for a blog series! Can't wait to see your fab collection! Love the handmade! What beauty and creativity and discipline!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I couldn't quite tell but it looks like the neckline is smocked. Also like the white embroidery that is hard to see in the photos but I'm sure it's beautiful in person. I like the tassels too. I would imagine they could get in the way at the wrists, but what a nice excuse to do nothing but lounge around in a lovely blouse!
ReplyDeleteGina, you are a perfect observer! Yes the neckline is smocked and I forgot to write that although I took a picture of it! Next, the tassels... well that's a fab suggestion :)
ReplyDeleteWhenever I wear it - the tassels get on my nerves moving here and there, and whenever I decide to take them off I realize that I am going to ruin the blouse ... and they remain until the next time :)
This is a great idea! I really like this blouse and am looking forward to seeing your other clothes from around the world :).
ReplyDeleteIn Romania it's called "ie" and it's a part of our traditional costumes :). You can find all sorts of blouses like this all around Romania.
ReplyDeleteNice to see a "ie" on your blog :)! Very inspiring ides you have! Congrats!
That's so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fine "city" or tourist Romanian blouse, and it looks like it might be from the 60s. I have several of these. I am a folkdance (mostly Balkan) teacher and a lover of Romanian textiles (and dance!). I've collected pieces and costumes from Romanian sellers for years, and wear a hand embroidered blouse or dress (I have more than 40 dresses, I believe -- I've lost count -- mostly from Muntenia) almost every day, although I usually choose the older pieces made of homespun cotton, esp on the cooler days. They bring me great comfort and joy, even the woven ones. I think I inherited my love of hand embroidery from my Greek grandmother, who was a fine embroiderer herself. If you enjoy culturally diverse hand embroidered pieces from all over, take a peek at my album at http://picasaweb.google.com/melharte0/EbayAuctionItemsFuture#
ReplyDeleteThey represent just the tip of the iceberg of my closets. I'll probably donate the album pieces to charity eventually (too much trouble to post on ebay), since I need the room... I still collect, and am still in love with these beautiful old pieces...
I love your blog and handwork. I like knitting and crocheting myself.I just started my first blog about fashion, food, feminism.
ReplyDeleteNora
www.notenora.blogspot.com