Is this an upcycled piece?

[carla rey]

Hi everyone!

I've had this piece for a bit, it stumps me .

Its a one piece vest top that has an attached capelet. The fabric is linen and the embroidery is a combination of hand and machine, with the larger motifs beautifully hand done and the scalloped edges are machine done. The seams, darts, and finishings are sewn by hand with large basting stitches. When I first purchased I thought was upcycled piece made with older linens and buttons.

Any insights? Thank you!

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

That is lovely. It looks like a combing shawl to me. Let's see what others think.

 

[retro ruth]

I see an upcycled tablecloth or similar.

 

[denisebrain]

I'm leaning toward upcycled because the scale of the scalloping looks larger than you'd expect—more like (as Ruth said) a tablecloth. It is lovely!

 

[retro ruth]

Maggie, I think you've articulated what I was intuiting without consciously realising! It's the large scale of the details, as you say.

I love those spherical covered buttons!

 

[Linn]

I'm not sure it's upcycled from a tablecloth. The buttons and the details are similar to those on the 1988 Nancy Johnson dress I wore when I got married. Not a great photo but you can see the buttons and cutwork. It was made in Hong Kong.

I still have it so can take a closer photo if you need it.

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I too feel it was upcycled, but in the era, but not from a tablecloth. I have had dusters and skirts with this lovely type of heavy embroidery.

 

[Jonathan]

It was upcycled from something. I agree that the heavy embroidery was used on clothing in that pre WW1 era, but that tuck seam and the armhole finishing are very home made modern alterations. Hard to tell what it was originally, but its safe to say its Edwardian linen embroidery transformed into a contemporary vest/cape.

 

[carla rey]

Thank you everyone, this was all very helpful!