The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm!
What do I care how much it may storm?
I've got my love to keep me warm.
I can't remember a worse December
Just watch those icicles form!
What do I care if icicles form?
I've got my love to keep me warm.
"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" (Irving Berlin)
Even if you have love to keep you warm, you still might want to don a scarf. And even if you don't need to be warm, you might want to wear one as a fashion accessory!
As practical garments, scarves have their origin in ancient Rome, where they were often a cloth strip tied around the neck and used to wipe sweat or food from the face (ewww!). Originally worn by men, scarves were soon adopted by women--and they've been in fashion, in one form or another, ever since. Throughout history, scarves have had many purposes--as head coverings (for cleanliness, for instance, in a dusty climate, or for modesty); as indicators of rank (Chinese warriors could be identified by the color and material of their scarves), or, of course, to cover the neck and chest for warmth. In the twentieth century, iconic scarf wearers included Isadora Duncan, Audrey Hepburn [couldn't find a photo that I could use here, but we all know what Audrey looks like!], and Dr. Who.
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| Left: Isadora Duncan; Right: Fourth Doctor (Dr. Who). Both images from Wikipedia |
Let's have a look at some vintage scarf patterns from the Pattern Patter team. In some cases, you could have that scarf built in to the dress itself...no chance of losing it! (This post is only looking at scarves worn around the neck, not headscarves.) As always, please click on the images to enlarge them.
Butterick 4680: PrettyPatternShop
Bottom row: McCall’s 2828: PurplePlaidPenguin
Top row, left to right: McCall’s 6681: Denisecraft
Middle row: Simplicity 1711: shellmakeyouflip
Bottom row: Simplicity 5125: Sydcam123
Top row, left to right: Simplicity 5184: patternshop
If you were going to tie one on, which of these beauties would YOU choose? Tell us in the comments!
So many lovely patterns! I think I'd pick the McCall’s 3865. :-)
ReplyDeleteI adored the fourth Dr. Who! That scarf is unforgettable.
Good call on the McCall's 3865 Deb, it was my favorite too. Great idea for the blog post as well. Scarves seem to be 'in' lately. Guess I can dig out all of my old ones. Also remember, you can make tops, skirts, shorts, all from old scarves!
ReplyDeleteI'm a simple, casual girl so I would pick Simplicity 5184... I do love the McCall's 3865 though!
ReplyDeleteThanks for including one of mine!
I think scarves are the best accessory anyone could wear. And so easy to make. These are all so fabulous. I don't think I have a favorite.
ReplyDeleteI love scarves! Great post, thank you Sherri! I shared.
ReplyDeleteI can't go without a scarf around my neck now that I have short hair! Love the article and the history!
ReplyDeleteMcCalls 6216 is cool, I like the button detailing
ReplyDeleteLovely scarves and the weather here has been perfect for them. Thank you for sharing. I think some of these ideas will be a perfect sewing project for my daughters!
ReplyDelete