Vintage 1910s Paper Doll Childrens Shoebox Theater - Printable Sir Lancelot King Arthur Cut Outs Kids Play Box

I love finding things like these in my old magazines - I opened my 1919 copy of The Delineator (published by Butterick Magazine), and found a really neat paper theatre toy for kids to put together with a shoebox.

This little piece has a full sheet of color graphics to cut out, and the second page contains the setup instructions and dialog for the play which is meant to go with it. This is meant to be put together by pasting the set pieces to a cut out shoebox and mounting the characters to long pieces of cardboard.

I have uploaded this item for sale on my etsy page... check it out for more detailed information!

Butterick Patterns Metropolitan Fashions Catalog of the 1800s - Victorian Clothing

I was reading more in depth in my 1888 Butterick Delineator Magazine and looking at ads, I found the following ad, for their "Metropolitan Fashions Catalogue"

Of course, now I really want this catalog.  I've searched and none to be found.  However, I was led to these reproduction books of the originals (different years), which tickled me:

This Image Links to the Actual Book at Amazon

This Image Links to the Actual Book at Amazon

If they are being reprinted, I have to believe they are pretty cool.  Gonna add these to my "want" list!

A Victorian Advertisement from the 1880s which Makes Me Happy I'm Not a Victorian Woman...

Sometimes you just need to blog... to blog... and overshare...

I came across this advertisement today from my copy of Butterick's "The Delineator" of August 1888:

This ad is from Canfield Goods, who apparently made things for ladies to go under their skirts... all kinds.

Item #1:  This seems pretty straight forward.  It is the Langtry Bustle.  It is only 60 cents (by mail mind you) and it folds when you sit or lie down.  I can see why the modern Victorian woman would want this. Nobody wants their skirts to fly up in the air when they sit.  Lying down... I guess that would depend on the woman.  But notice it comes in two colors... white or DRAB.  I will take white thank you.

Item #2:  The Canfield Dress Shield.  It's waterproof.  Okay, good.  It comes in pairs.  Why do I need a pair?  And what is it shielding?  It looks like a toilet seat cover... 

Item #3:  Sanitary Towels and cheaper than washing.  I will agree and I understand the need.  Note, they are easily destroyed by burning.  WOW.  

Item #4:  Belt Hose Supporter - "Prevents pain in hips and back."  Apparently, there was a need for this because whatever women were supporting their hose with before was causing some serious pain. Obviously, the pain couldn't be coming from wearing a bustle, dress, waterproof toilet seat shaped dress shield and sanitary towels which required burning for disposal...

Item #5:  Stockinet Diaper:  Fair enough.  You don't want your kid peeing on you when you are carrying him and wearing all the aforementioned items (and your electric corset - but they don't sell those).

Item #6:  Corset Hose Supporter:  It swings! Sweet!

Sold and manufactured by the Canfield Rubber Company. Wait, what?!!!!

Victorian Edwardian 1900s Shawl Wrap Crochet Pattern in Ice Wool and Silk

This is a beautiful 1903 Antique Crochet Shawl Pattern which I came across which was designed to be made with ice wool and silk.

Ice Wool Shawl Pattern

The edging on this wrap is so delicate and feminine. Per the pattern, "A PRETTY SHAWL -Lightweight wraps that can be readily slipped about the shoulders are always in demand. This very pretty one is simple and easily made and provides just the warmth required on a cool evening or when one is suffering from a slight indisposition."  The instructions indicate that this is not difficult to make.

Materials needed:

The material is white ice wool for the center.  For the border use one strand of the white ice wool and one of colored silk.  The needle should be large in order that the stitches may be loose.

I have just uploaded a copy of the pattern for purchase in my Etsy Store - follow this link!  I am working on adding new items each day, so check back for more!!!