Saturday, April 10, 2010

Hip Pocket

Last weekend my one daughter was commenting on how happy she was with a sun dress that she recently purchased at Target. The main source of her happiness was that the dress had hidden side pockets. We started to have a discussion about how much we both adored pockets, and rattled off all the things we loved about them.


A few days later I found myself researching the history of pockets and found these fabulous images of 18th century pockets that were part of woman's undergarments. Seems that back in the old days pockets were not sewn on to clothing but worn separately, tied around the waist, and hidden out view.



I was so enchanted by the images I decided to try and make one.... however mine is meant to be seen.


It's small, measuring just a little over 7" long, but easily holds a cell phone.


I included a tiny little pocket to carry a good luck penny, based on this old nursery rhyme that i also found while researching:

'Lucy Locket lost her pocket,
Kitty Fisher found it;
Not a penny was there in it,
Only a ribbon round it.'


Another pocket was added on the backside, to carry some cash.

This one was just for fun, but now the bug has bit me and all other sewing projects are on hold, while I play around with this concept. My mind is reeling with design possibilities... Hope you like this, because I'm hooked! More to follow soon. ;0)

32 comments:

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

Modernizing a centuries old idea... and in the most adorable way. Genius!

lindamay said...

This is an awesome idea and you should totally market it. It would be so great if it was similar to your quilts (not so thick perhaps). This is a much better idea than those bags that used to be so popular (hip bags?) they were just too big and bulky.

Lunden said...

Love it! What a great idea.

Jude said...

Yes, I do like it...very much!! well done!
Can't wait to see more.
Take care.

Jane Moxey said...

How fascinating. I always wondered how Lucy could have lost her "pocket," not knowing that it was a separate item of clothing! Very cool modern interpretation!

artymess said...

I love pockets ...recently I found some dresses that have big side pockets I bought a few in different colours and they are invaluable at work .... I am a teacher so all sorts get kept in there they are most useful for board markers which I was always losing before....I love your idea ...Lorna

connie said...

What an incredible idea. I love where this is going. Keep us posted on where you go... I just love being able to see where things lead us.

Dee / Cloth Company said...

now that I shouldn't go anywhere without a cell phone, this makes total sense!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have anything without pockets? I can't live with out them.
Thanks for the history lesson and such a clever idea, looking forward to more.

Corrine

Molly said...

What a great idea! I was just saying the other day that I wanted to wear a fanny pack when I walk with the dog but I don't want to look so incredibly lame. I need my cell phone, ipod and a treat or two. I'm so anxious how these progress!

sweetypie said...

brilliant great idea ,cant wait to see what you do next

Abby and Stephanie said...

Clever. Love the "hands free" possibilities.

Cheryl Arkison said...

Awesome!

Lisa said...

I just simply love it - I'm planning on making one for my walks in the park!

Munaiba said...

What a great idea. I might try to make something similar for walking, instead of a bag over the shoulder.

Sharon (Stitches on Mars) said...

I think its fabulous Victoria, and a wonderful way of recycling an old idea to a new light and sooo useful too.
I love pockets and always bemoan the lack of or the piddly little ones that are often found on ladies clothes...every woman need a good pocket or two :)

hugs, Sharon

Fer said...

Oh wow Victoria, this is wonderful!! You're right, the possibilities are endless. :)

Allie said...

This is SO SMART - I need to make one for my mom. She carries her cell phone around with her all day, at home, and dropped the last one in the dish water and fried it. She needs a pocket to wear!
LOVE that pink! Mine won't look as good as yours, lol!

Purple Paisley Patch said...

Love the pocket, and it is definitely one to be worn proudly where it can be seen! :-)

Anonymous said...

I've never really understood why men's clothes are always full of huge pockets, while women's clothes aren't. Maybe it goes back to those old days when pockets were separate. Your pockets are a great idea.

Hey Harriet said...

Oh bugger...I wrote a long-winded comment and hit 'publish' and blogger came up with an error message and all my waffling was gone :(

I can't remember what I said exactly, but there was lots of gushing about your adorable pocket. I do LOVE it and can't wait to see more Vic!

Verte Adélie said...

What a wonderful idea, I'm looking forward to seeing what you'lll come up with!

picciolo said...

I love both your pocket and the history behind it, you could have lots of pockets for different things!
: )

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

How cute! It reminds me of the purses/bags that are part of many of the Norwegian national costumes, bunads. They are hung on the waisband and are something between a bag and a pocket. Mom made me one to wear on the indisde of the skirt when I had one without the bag. They are very useful as you're not supposed to wear regular bags with bunads.

Wilma Lee said...

What a neat idea!!! I have a little purse that rides around your waist that I use when hiking. Never thought to make a quilty one.

patty a. said...

Great idea! I have a pair of pull on pants that I wear for gardening and it has no pockets. So I ended up pinning part of a old sock on to the waistband to hold my IPod while I dig around in the dirt. Sure it worked, but its not very cute! Your idea is much better!

britt said...

I love this! I first learned of pockets like these from American Girl books--the Revolutionary War-era girl had them. Your updated version is so lovely and fresh!

Victoria said...

My goodness, thanks for the memory jog! You are right... my one daughter had the American Girl Doll Felicity, and she indeed did have little white tied on pockets as part of her undergarments!

Jackie said...

You've done it again! SOOOOOO original. I immediately want to make on. (But I won't..I promise)

High Desert Diva said...

May I just be lazy here and copy exactly what Michelle Engel Bencsko said? She always has the perfect comment.

Kristin L said...

So cute and practical. I might need one for every pocket-less outfit. You are so clever to update a simple necessity.

aline C. said...

I just discovered your blog via Craft Gossip.
nice idea and great achievement