Why It's Called a "Pair of Pants"

Every time this question is posed,

I just chuckle, because I know the answer

and it's not some outlandish thing.

Historically, men wore britches(short) or trousers(long.)

(I made mine with a back button opening and sewn crotch seam.)

"Pants" is a shortened version of pantaloons.

It's called a pair of pants

because the crotch seam was not sewn.

Two were worn (one for each leg obviously)

and held up by a drawstring.
There could be various styles - fancy or plain.

If you think about having to go to the bathroom

wearing a corset, first petticoat,

hoop skirt or bustle, another petticoat, and then a huge dress/skirt, 

it makes sense that there would be

such 'accommodations' for the task.

The expression that the woman wears the pants in the family

is a little tongue in cheek.

Of course they do.  Men don't wear pants.
But, it also has the other meaning.
It is becoming less so, but if visiting with older men,
they will refer to them as trousers.

 A friend of mine just laughs when I tell her things like this.

I always say 

I know lots of useless bits of information.

Just don't ask me anything important:)

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Always Learning

This lovely little vessel of sorts

was given to me years ago

because, yes I am the one who likes old 'stuff.'

It was handed down through some extended family,

and was at a bit of an end so it came my way.

It is from Estonia.

It appeared to me to be a crochet set

for some very tiny/fine lace.

What I learned after all these years...

It is actually a tambour set.

Tambour was the precursor to crocheting.

What we now call crocheting

was once called tambour in the air.

It is frequently seen on such finery as wedding veils

or beaded pieces.

Fabric was stretched over a drum/hoop

which is in conjunction with the tambourine and snare drum.

The hook actually goes through the fabric where

the thread is wrapped around, hooked, and drawn

back up through the fabric.

It's really like crocheting through fabric.

(There are several good youtube videos if you're interested.)

There are various sized hooks for different threads.

This finest hook is about like a snag in your fingernail.

Even with a dime to reference size,

it is difficult to see just how small it is.

I can't imagine the works this set created.

It was so amazing to learn what it actually was.

I love those little bits of knowledge of history and tradition

that would otherwise be lost to modernization.

I tell friends, "I know lots of useless information, just

don't ask me anything important."

(Example: Did you know the zipper wasn't invented until 1891?)
This is just one more of those little morsels.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches