Unless you studied costume design, chances are you just sort of assumed that pockets have been around a really really long time. But, oh no. They are a relatively new invention. This 'small bag-like attachment' was worn externally for years and years before we ever thought of actually putting it directly on a garment, let alone IN a garment.
Read more here about the history of pockets while I tell you a bit more about why external pockets still have a place in our lives.
Have you ever had a dress or top that came with a pocket, but as soon as you put anything of substance in it, your garment pulled and gaped or worse...sagged? Yes. Many pockets are simply decorative. When you buy a pair of dress pants or jacket the pockets are actually sewn closed so that they don't lose shape before you buy them.
The idea of a small bag, worn outside of your clothing was called a "disco bag" in the 1980's and forgive me, but it's hard to name it any better. You're out at say...someplace to dance, you don't want to leave your handbag with those small essentials on the bar stool or chair. You have this little shoulder bag that doesn't mess with your outfit but keeps your important stuff safe.
All of this, to tell you that I have designed a new beaded bag for Krafti-Kit that does it's job and looks great with all kinds of clothes to boot. It's cotton, knit with matte gold glass beads, almost, but not quite antique looking and at 7"x6" will hold all your essentials. The back of the bag is knit in seed stitch to keep it from being too heavy. You can even line it if you like but it's knit tightly enough to not even need it.
If you've been "on the fence" about knitting with beads, maybe this will get you right off of that fence and knitting!
I had not known of the origin & development of pockets before - thank you for posting their history, Laura!
ReplyDeleteI love wearing bags like the beautiful one you designed during my vacations: they leave my hands free for shopping & sightseeing. A must-bring for any Greek-Island aficionado!