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Vintage Los Angeles Tablecloth Map - 1940's style cropped jacket - Women's size 4

Vintage Los Angeles Tablecloth Map - 1940's style cropped jacket - Women's size 4

Description

So Dustbowl, so Noir, I'm thinking Rose of Sharon Joad meets Cora Papadakis. And fittingly, this fabulous cropped jacket is constructed from a vintage "Los Angeles and Environs" tablecloth. It's nearly impossible to date, but the Brown Derby is located on Wilshire Boulevard, so presumably from the early 40's.

The short jacket is simple in design, yet loaded with style. It has deep tucks set at a slight angle to the front closure which shoot straight up to the shoulder and over to the back where it sets matching tucks. The shoulder is heightened by sewn-in pads. The sleeves are a plain white canvas, but cuffed with the gorgeous film cell border of the tablecloth. They are conspicuously curved and three-quarter length. When closed up the center front, the zipper hides in the right side overlap. A wing collar comes straight out of the front pieces. The jacket is unlined and features Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Chinatown (China City).

I made a vow not to sew with linens with "issues", but this tablecloth is the exception. It has, as might be expected, some age spots. Two dark spots under the right collar. There is also some ink loss, most notably on the left side near the sleeve seams, yet it is obscured for the most part under the tucks. And finally, a little blotch of ink loss near the "Los Angeles and Environs" in the midst of the orange grid. Please do not purchase this jacket if you will regret the imperfections.

This pattern was styled by the Bureau of Human Nutrition and Home Economy, and I'm sure it was to be a boxy, roomy cut. It was designed for the woman measuring 32 inches in the bust and 26 1/2 at the waist, a modern size 2 to 4.

Hand wash this jacket, in cold water with a gentle detergent, Ivory Suds for example. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out, DO NOT RING, excess water. Then place on a clean towel, roll it up and apply pressure to remove remaining water. Then lay flat on a fresh towel and let dry completely. Press with a hot steamy iron.

Added on Aug 05, 2009