Antimacassar

Just in time for fall.

Curl up on the sofa with some hot tea, 

a few sewing supplies, your needles and a spool of thread 

for a little creative fun. 

Embellishing a favorite long sleeved tee

with what is known as antimacassars.

It is an odd word with an interesting history.

Macassar oil was a tonic for the hair commonly used in the early 19th century. The fashion for oiled hair became so widespread in the Victorian and the Edwardian period that housewives began to cover the arms and backs of their chairs with washable cloths to preserve the fabric coverings from being soiled. 
In 1852 these started to be known as antimacassars. 

They came to have elaborate patterns, often in matching sets for the various items of parlour furniture; they were often made at home using a variety of techniques such as crochet and tatting.

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What you will need

a pair of  antimacassars

a long sleeved top

thread to match the color of the antimacassar 

strait pins

sewing needle

scissors

Instructions

Place the  antimacassar along the edge of the sleeves hem.

Pin in place.

Carefully hand stitch it down along the outside edges of the design to keep it in place.

If the top has buttons that are not to your liking, 

consider replacing them with your favorite vintage buttons!

Grateful to share the creativity in Altered Couture Magazine!

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