Mentioning Unmentionables
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 an exhibit of underwear patterns from the Commercial Pattern Archive At the University of Rhode Island

Curated by Joy Emery and Sarina Wyant
November 25, 2002 to January 25, 2003
2nd floor, Library
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In celebration of its inclusion in a calendar, Underwear: Beneath Historic Fashions, Sally Queen (Editor) the Commercial Pattern Archive (CoPA) has on exhibit in Special Collections, University of Rhode Island patterns for undergarments dating from 1908 to 1950. CoPA is a unique resource comprised of three collections of commercial dressmaker patterns: the Betty Williams Collection, the URI Theatre Department Collection, and the Joy Spanabel Emery Collection. CoPA, an electronic database of patterns in the archive is available the Special Collections unit of the Library. It provides multiple indexing points as well as a scanned image of the pattern.  In addition, the Archive includes a large number of fashion periodicals and trade catalogs. An abridged version of the database CoPA Sampler: Three Dressmaker Pattern Collections is available on CD for $59.59. The calendar is also available for $12.00 in Special Collections.

Let's Take a Peek..............


(Scroll down and click on images* to see underwear patterns. Use the Browser's Back Button to return to this page)
                      * all images from fashion magazines of the period in CoPA collection

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1908


New Idea Woman's Magazine, July 1908

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                      1928

____________________________________  McCall's Magazine, Jan. 1928

                  1941


Vogue Magazine, Aug. 4, 1941

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              1945

                                         Vogue Pattern Book, June- July, 1945

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 1950           

                                                                            
                                                                                           Tailor to Order Clothes, order book, Sears and  Roebuck and Co., Autumn and  Winter 1949-50

 

The Commercial Pattern Archive is the September feature for Underwear: Beneath Historic Fashions, Sally Queen (Editor).  The calendar features over 50 corsets, stays, hoops, shirts, stockings, and other "unmentionables" that shaped the body for the outer garments. Each month features items ranging from 1770-1950 and twelve American collections that preserve and present the garments.  Available for purchase in Special Collections for $12.00.  National Public Radio interviewed the editor in November 2002.

September feature:  Simplicity Pattern #s620 of Misses & Women's Bra
 & Bloomers