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Tag: fashion

Visionaire at the Hirshhorn Library

One of the pieces from Visionaire, no. 33
One of the pieces from Visionaire issue “Touch” where actual string is stitched into the cardboard sheet.

The Hirshhorn Library has had the benefit of receiving creative, non-traditional items from generous contributors that reflect a playfulness with format and materials found in contemporary art.  One such unexpected gift was that of the art and fashion periodical Visionaire , which has been published three times a year in limited quantities since 1991. Each issue has a particular theme that is illustrated in some form or another through the collaboration of Visionaire with contemporary artists and fashion designers from around the world.

Highlights from the Cultural Heritage Library: Vintage Knitting Patterns

Illustration of an old woman and a little girl knitting, from the Art of Knitting
Illustration from The Art of Knitting

In 1892, for 50 cents or 2 shillings, you could have purchased this month’s Cultural Heritage Library selection and wowed all your friends with the latest and most comprehensive guide to knitting on the market to date. The Art of Knitting (1892) was published as a companion to The Art of Crocheting and contains simple instructions for beginners as well as more complex fancy stitches and patterns for more seasoned craftsmen. As it stands, however, we are well into the Electronic Age and you can impress your friends and save your cash by downloading this title for free from the Internet Archive!

I Haven’t A Thing to Wear …

Wondering what to don for that fabulous New Year’s eve bash you are attending this evening?
Maybe some suggestions from the Libraries’ Galaxy of Images fashion collections might help … Chinchilla … I don’t think so. Maybe faux fur? You have to admit she looks awfully stylish changing that light bulb. You’ll definitely turn heads in that shiny chapeau. Just be sure whatever you choose is suitable for dancing. Happy New Year!