The Vermont Knitters
A major labor law dispute simmered for decades. At its center? Women being paid to do piecework on knitting machines in their homes.
In Rome, Mourning Clothes as Political Resistance
In Ancient Rome, swapping one’s regular toga for the dirty, drab robes associated with mourning could request mercy, or communicate resistance.
Victorian Knitting Manuals Collection
The first manuals for knitting were printed in the 1830s. Those interested in the history of knitting will find them a rich primary source for research.
Eighteenth-Century Spies in the European Silk Industry
Curious about the advancing wonders of the age, savants traveled abroad to gather trade secrets for their homeland.
Sewing Saved Us from a “Cold Snap” 13 Thousand Years Ago
Sewing a full winter outfit from animal hides took 105 hours. And we needed lots of them to survive the Younger Dryas Cold Event.
The Buggy Truth about Natural Red Dye
The slightly disgusting secret ingredient that has historically made food dye, lipstick, and even the cloaks of Roman Catholic cardinals so vibrant.
Colonialism Created Navy Blue
The indigo dye that created the Royal Navy's signature uniform color was only possible because of imperialism and slavery.
Our Long Relationship with Leather
A recently-discovered skeleton wearing leather boots inspires a walk through our history of wearing animal hides.
Clothing Britain’s Spies during World War II
To hide in plain sight while on assignment in foreign nations, agents needed precisely tailored clothes made to look local.
Why Hoop Petticoats Were Scandalous
In the 18th century a new trend in women's underwear sparked public scandal: the hoop petticoat. How the world became obsessed with what was under women’s skirts.