Monday, July 5, 2010

Dusty Definition

A couple of people have asked about the term "duster".    Your questions haunted me, so I Googled the word.  Which is fine, because in this freakin' heat wave, I can't sew.  Our central air just isn't keeping up with this horridness.

Anyway--Wikipedia defines "duster" as a light, loose-fitting long coat.  The original dusters were worn by the Texas Rangers to keep trail dust off of their clothing.  They had a slit up the back, making riding horseback more comfortable. 

I made a muslin of  S3786.   I'm changing the sleeves to a 3/4 length, full and gathered at the bottom with a cuff.   I cut out a very lightweight cotton fabric for that tunic, but all the time knowing it's too lightweight and sheer for me.  I pulled another fabric to use, which is heavier and will be more appropriate.  But, it needs ironing, which isn't going to happen today, in this heat.  Maybe tomorrow morning, early.  I like the top though, and expect to make it a couple of times, especially in fall fabrics with that long, full sleeve.

Stay cool!

11 Talk to me:

Faye Lewis said...

I remember dusters for when I was young. We use to have then as a spring coat to match our Easter dresses.

julia said...

My grandmother and mom wore them all the time. Yours is gorgeous.

Linda T said...

Being a native Texan, I have seen lots of Cowboys with the dusters the Texas Rangers made famous here.

Anonymous said...

I've seen some great versions of S3768. Looking forward to yours...

Sigrid said...

Thanks for the explanation. I'm going to try to find out where the Dutch word originates from.

Bunny said...

We are in the heat wave too! DH plugged an AC into the window behind my machines. I have arctic chill blowing in my face when I sew. Actually, I turned it off. It is just too much. But the room is at least cool and a refuge.

Thanks for the duster info. Interesting. Sounds like you are making a muslin for your tunic.

Lina said...

That is so informative for me.That "duster" is completely new word in my English,so now every time I hear that word,I will have your lovely coat in my mind.The top stitching is great and the color is perfect.

Anonymous said...

It is hot in Michigan too??? We are heading up to the north in a few weeks.
When I hear of duster, I think of a cowboy or my mom. She called her housedresses, dusters!

shams said...

I remember dusters very well! I loved dusters, back when they first came into style. It was late 70s, early 80s, right? Anyway, I think it's a very elegant style.

Kathi said...

My mother had a Plymouth Duster -- it was red and had a stripe down the side. It looked sort-of like the Starsky and Hutch car. That is what I think of when I hear the word duster!!
Little off your topic, though. Sorry!

Kat said...

That is so funny! Many years ago I was involved in something that required picking a nursing home resident and being a Secret Santa. So many of the female residents asked for "dusters". But they weren't coats, they were more like lounge dresses. At least that's what we were told. I always thought a duster was more of a coat like you have made, and I was wondering why the residents wanted coats LOL.

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