Pages

Monday, November 25, 2013

{My Brocade Skirt Suit Creation from 1950s Zelinka Matlick}

We often did check out the Lakewood Antiques Market in Atlanta, Georgia. A HUGE place with seven Spanish colonial livestock exhibition halls and over 15,000 antique dealers. My sister Diny went there with us as well. You really could shop until you drop! Below this post you find links about its history as it has moved in 2006 to a new location: Lakewood 400 Antiques Market
BUT there I found on April 10 of 1993
 a 1950s Zelinka Matlick dress with matching coat in a beautiful cotton/rayon brocade. I fell in love with the fabric and was running my mind of what I could do with it. It had beautiful buttons too and thus for the price of $ 20.00 I did adopt it!
With a seam ripper I took the entire dress and long coat apart and then the puzzle started.
The pattern works like wallpaper that you have to match...
Did complete it the first week of July in 1993 so I could wear it for my youngest brother's wedding in The Netherlands ons July 30.
Here we are again at the Hyatt House Miami Airport...
Wearing with my sewing creation: Wolford pantyhose
Escada evening bag that I got on sale at the boutique of Oahu, Hawaii in 1998
When looking at the price I could not afford it but the Japanese sales person send me an email when it came on sale. Great courtesy and I was happy! The Escada golden shoes I found in February 1998 at the Potomac Mills Outlet near Washington D.C. 
The 7 buttons from the coat were just enough for this design...
Majorica pearl earrings and bracelet.
The coat had a grease stain on one side and when I had taken all pieces apart, I took my chances and threw them all together in the washer. 
The stain came out completely and now I knew that I could launder this quality fabric myself!
Getting the pattern to match everywhere was quite a challenge but I got it done!
JUST enough fabric, even for some back pockets on the skirt!
I did darken this photo so you can see the cream and white brocade pattern better. 
From the heavy acetate lining that was in the top part of the coat, I made this blouse...
The jacket and skirt is not lined as this brocade really is sturdy enough on its own.
I did lots of top stitching on this skirt and jacket as well...
Wearing my Majolica pearl bracelet from Neiman Marcus.
Ring is a Princess ring in 18 kt gold with several precious stone insets; gift from my boss in Indonesia.
Of course I proudly did sew this Zelinka Matlick label back in.
Via a link from Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resource I could trace that this label is from the 1950s.
David Zelinka & Max Matlick were partners and makers of coats and women's suits.
Those buttons are a piece of jewelry!
Some had lost a white dot and husband Pieter managed to create a new one with a white enamel repair tube.
Here you also can see the intricate weave of brocade and its cotton and rayon threads in white and cream.
Topstitching is done with rayon thread in order to obtain the same luster.
Matching the fabric's pattern, including those pocket parts!
Neither the center back seam does interrupt the pattern.
Photo is taken with flash inside the Hyatt House Miami Airport on top of the down duvet on the bed.
Also the last photo below is taken with flash inside, making it more yellowish...
So what do you say? 
Tis brocade fabric is about as old as the person wearing it in its new creation...

Related links:
Lakewood Antiques Market - The Last Days: A Photo Diary | it closed in 2006 but moved
Lakewood 400 Antiques Market | new location and open every 3rd weekend
David Zelinka, 83, Ex-Maker of Coats And Women's Suits | New York Times Obituary of David Zelinka, partner with Max Matlick

52 comments:

  1. You did fantastic! what a great seamstress! one thing is to sew straight lines, but it's a completely different story to be able to sew clothes. I'll say it again, fantastic job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Daniela,
      Thank you so much for your generous compliment!
      It was quite a puzzle I can tell you, especially with the pattern in this brocade fabric but I did it!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  2. Dear Mariette,

    Very stylish - love your outfit and that you were able to adapt the gorgeous fabric, to a style that suited you, lovely buttons also. I will say the same as Daniela, fantastic job.
    Happy weekend
    hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Carolyn,
      Thank you so much for your kindness and compliment.
      Enjoy your Sunday!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  3. You did very well. The suit looks great, and beautiful fabric has another life. Enjoy wearing it.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Kay,
      Thank you and when the weather changes, I will enjoy wearing it again! That fabric has a long life altogether with its reincarnation.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  4. Liebe Mariette,

    du hast die Figur einer Frau von 20.

    Alles Liebe
    Elisabeth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Elisabeth,
      Danke aber es hatte auch immer nachteilen in den Niederlanden konnte ich einfach keine Damenmode kaufen; nur Kindergrösse 158... Selbst nähen oder z.B. hier in der USA wo es auch Grösse 32 schon gibt da finde ich meine 34 immer ohne Probleme da es viele Asiatinnen gibt.
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

      Delete
  5. Fantastic! Very beautiful! I wish I had such a great figure!
    Greetings, Conni

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Conni,
      Thank you for your compliments! Now, living in the USA I don't mind having such a figure but otherwise it can become a burden for finding clothes for it! Just genetics and I never had to do anything for it...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  6. Jij bent een knappe naaister, verbazingwekkend dat je de stof hebt kunnen gebruiken voor een compleet ander model. Geweldig gedaan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beste Marianne,
      Ja, dit was wel een hele klus. Ik moest het inschatten òf het allemaal uit de jurk en lange mantel kon en toen lostornen, zonder beschadigingen en het stofpatroon pas maken. Dàt was de grootste klus. Ik weet nog vroeger met behang dat mensen vaak andere rollen kozen met minder patroon-verlies... Om dezelfde redenen maar ik moest het doen met wat ik had! Het lukte toch en het was een hele opluchting en ik was blij met het resultaat.
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  7. Liebe Mariette,
    ich bin begeistert - bei deiner Traumfigur sieht das wunderschöne Kostüm nochmal so schön aus -
    es ist aber wirklich ganz wunderbar - was ein herrlicher Stoff und eine tolle Machart - auch die Bluse ist superschön -
    dein Mann ist sicher sehr stolz auf seine schöne Frau -

    liee Grüße - Ruth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Ruth,
      Vielen Dank für deine lieben Zeilen hier! Es ist ein wiklich sehr edler Stoff und ich denke dass es originell auch ein sehr hoher Preis war für dieses Kostüm. Es war eine Ausforderung für mich und es hat sich sehr gelohnt. Ja, mein Mann ist immer stolz wenn ich Komplimente bekomme und ich schmunzle oft weil ich die Schnäpchen Preise ja kenne... Es lohnt sich und nun kann ich hier auch gut Outlet kaufen, u.a. von Escada in Gr. 34 da es tadellos passt.
      Nochmals vielen Dank für deine Kommentar!
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

      Delete
  8. My dearest Mariette, you looks so pretty and graceful :) love your sling purse :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Pallavi,
      Thank you so much for your sweet compliment! Oh, when we were on Hawaii for vacation I fell in love with that purse but not with its price. That Japanese Escada salesperson however did contact me the minute it came on sale... End of story! It does complete this regal outfit of a quality fabric that otherwise would be way out of reach too...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  9. Liebe Mariette,
    ein ganz wunderbarer Stoff. Es ist wunderschön, was
    du daraus gemacht hast. Du kannst das Ensemble,
    gut tragen - es passt zu deinem Stil.
    Einen schönen Restsonntag wünscht dir
    Irmi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Irmi,
      Oh so ein Brokat-Stoff aus Baumwolle und Rayon ist ein Traum! Ich war ganz stolz dass ich es überhaupt geschafft habe mit allen Beschränkungen.Danke für deine lieben Zeilen!
      Schöner Sonntagabend noch.
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

      Delete
  10. Liebste Mariette, auf deinen Fotos wirkst du immer so mädchenhaft, fast schwebend mit einem vielsagenden Lächeln, man spürt die Harmonie in dir und das Gleichgewicht mit all dem, was dir wichtig ist und war und sein wird....
    Ich kann dir gar nicht sagen, wie motivierend und wichtig deine Worte, egal ob hier oder als Kommentar für mich sind, das ist eine Gabe die du so generös teilst und die mich immer wieder irgendwie glücklich zu machen scheint.
    Danke dafür und ganz herzliche Grüsse Anett

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Anett,
      Du bist so eine natürlich begabte Schrifstellerin und du machst ware Poesie aus deine Posten mit Wörter die so ganz viel Ruhe und Schönheit ausstrahlen. Dass kannst du so gut weitergeben. Auch deine Poesie auf die Nadeln ist von solcher Art dass es fast unmöglich ist um es zu reproduzieren. Es ist nur Anett PUR! Je bent gewoon een hele begaafde en bijzonder lieve vrouw die ook nog eens in het gebied woonde waar mijn man opgroeide. Knap je talenkennis en je levenslust! Het is een plezier om je verhalen te lezen; gezien door jou ogen en gevoeld met jou fijngevoeligheid en dat nog eens poetisch verworod...
      Met trots vermeldde ik je in mijn gebreide zijden sjaal post!
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  11. Wow talk about pretty you did a bloody marvelous job

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Jo-Anne,
      Thank you for your bloody Aussie compliment!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  12. Dearest Mariette,
    Your going to the sakewood antigues market geongia with your sistee Diny you found a beautiful cotton/rayon 1950 zeinja martick dress, matcking cost....
    The Hyatl House miami airport...panty hose (the Japaness sales lady's sales.The Escada shore the potomac mills near washigton.D.C.
    The 7 buttons deom design one you has were in photos, I like to in the top part of the coat you made in the blouse and the Jacket and shirt & nice shose yourself Fantastic idea ..Neiman marcus!
    You has wonderful buss gift from 18ki gold. Your husband Piels a new white a enamel repair tulel.I has lots of the interiate weave of cotton brocade in other so much...Last photo..making yello wisk.. It's New creation...much too much..Dear Mariette!!
    Hugs to you always!
    Michiko

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Michiko,
      Thanks girl for using this complicated wording in this post as a brain activator for exercise. You have come such a long way since your brain injury! Know that someone in the USA is mighty proud of you and I admire you all the time. It is a roller coaster; going up and down but never ever give up. I have seen you at peak performance and that is what we have to look at for going ahead.
      Tight hugs to you and yes, that Japanese sales lady at the Escada boutique in Oahu, Hawaii was so courteous for contacting me right away when that lovely dream of a purse came on sale!
      Love forever,
      Mariette

      Delete
  13. très chic, liebe Mariette! Sehr schön! Es paßt aber nur bei einer so guten Figur, wie Du sie hast! Geht es Dir wieder gut? Ich habe in einem Blog von einer schweren Operation gelesen?

    Viele liebe Grüße und alles Liebe
    Sara

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Sara,
      Danke für dein Kompliment! Es geht mir schon viel besser und nur noch warten bis die schlimme Hämatom ganz verschwunden ist. Auch dass schaffen wir wieder; mit Geduld!
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

      Delete
  14. Dear Mariette,

    I so wanna visit this antique market..and you know brocade is so "In"...<3

    xoxo,
    Tam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Tammy,
      Oh, this Atlanta antique market with its 15,000 plus dealers is something else!
      Yes, I know that brocade is all over right now, even for upholstery and draperies.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  15. The suit is beautiful! And the buttons are really beautiful, too. How amazing your husband Pieter created the white dot that was missing. He amazes me all the time with his great work!
    I'm still bit busy but hope to go back to normal soon :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Tamago,
      Thank you so much for your kind comment and yes, my husband is always genial!
      The end of year is a busy time for most of us.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  16. Dear Mariette,
    what a beautiful suit!!!So preety and so elegant!!!
    You look great!!!I like your shoes and the gold bag!!!
    Thank you for sharing!!!Have a wonderful new week!!!Hugs!!
    Dimi...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Dimi,
      Thank you so much for your compliment! Those gold accessories were a true treasure find.
      Wishing you also a very lovely last week of November.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  17. It's a beautiful outfit. Have a nice week.

    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Elna,
      Thank you and wishing you and your fur babies also a cozy week.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  18. Beautiful!
    Très chique ;-)


    All the best from the Netherlands,
    dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Gert Jan,
      Thank you and wishing you a nice fall, with more pretty sunsets!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  19. Dear Mariette,

    So clever of you to make that dress into a design of your own. It looks great on you! Very stylish! Pieter must be so proud to have you by his side.

    Wishing you a happy week!

    Madelief x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Madelief,
      Thank you for your compliment; it was just a matter of vision and it worked out well. With those accessories it indeed is very stylish. Pieter is a proud and happy husband for over 30 years now. Enjoy your autumn week and stay cozy!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  20. Mooi Mariette. de stof is prachtig en de blouse eronder heeft ook zo'n mooie stof, knap gemaakt en zoals gewoonlijk weer de fijne bijpassende schoentjes!

    Groetjes Janny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beste Janny,
      Dank je; het was een stof om op slag verliefd op te worden. Dus moest ik er wel iets van maken... Het is goed gelukt met veel puzzelen. Jij mag die schoentjes wel met kleine hakjes, beter dan de veel té hoge van tegenwoordig.
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  21. Dearest Mariette you are an amazing inspiration to work with what you have and to learn to create. Hugs and Blessing C. (HHL)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Celia,
      Thank you dear friend! Often if things seem very challenging, they do yield rewarding results. It teaches us to never give up and the puzzle pieces will eventually fall into place.
      Hugs and love to you,
      Mariette

      Delete
  22. Ciaoooooo Mariette,bellissimo il tuo vestito,sei stata bravissima.......immagino che soddisfazione!!
    Un tessuto così particolare ed unico e tu stai molto bene........!!
    Complimenti per tutto cara amica!!
    Vi auguro una buona settimana!!
    Un caloroso abbraccio!!
    Sabry!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cara Sabry,
      Grazie mille per i tuoi dolci commenti e complimenti. Sì, ero innamorato di questo bellissimo tessuto e ho avuto questo modello ideato per renderlo fuori di esso. Ero piuttosto orgoglioso dei buoni risultati. Così si può guardare come un milionario per soli 20 dollari.
      Anche vi auguro qualche felici giorni finali di novembre.
      Un abbraccio molto grande!
      Mariette

      Delete
  23. You did a fabulous job, Mariette. It fits you perfectly, and you only paid $20 for the fabric! I wish I could tailor clothing - but I am never exact enough. My grandmother taught me the basics of sewing, and she herself was a tailor, but unfortunately, I did not take full advantage of learning from her. Rather, I would draw a design and she would make it for me (like the Holly Hobbie dress you saw on my blog last week). Oh well, maybe one day I will find someone like you who is willing to teach me everything she knows about sewing! Happy Thanksgiving!! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Stacy,
      Well, I certainly did learn a lot during my three years of study at a Fashion Design School; it came in quite handy at times. Even though I no longer deal with it as I love to purchase clothes at the Outlet since I discovered them. It is tedious and demanding on your eyes. I have only one good eye and age does the rest... But thanks for your lovely compliment and you bet I felt rather proud for my $ 20 fabric steal!
      If you love writing the way you do, it hardly will leave an opening for also pursuing the creation of garments yourself... Enjoy what you are doing and you always look lovely and stayed in shape perfectly. That Holly Hobbie dress sewn by your Grandmother, I LOVED!
      Happy Thanksgiving to you.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  24. Dear Mariette,

    What a fabulous look!!!! You did a great work. And you have great legs :)
    Very stylish indeed.

    I hope you and Pieter have a fabulous and joyfull Thanksgiving!!
    (We don't celebrate it here, but we all have things to be gratuful for)

    Hugs
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Seeker,
      Thank you for your kind words!
      Sure, your Canadian Thanksgiving is already past but no matter how, it is a great family tradition, especially during the Fall.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  25. I think you are very clever being able to turn this find into a perfect fitted suit.
    Beautiful fabric.
    Greetje

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Greetje,
      Thank you very much! It certainly has been one of the most challenging projects I ever did. But the spectacular quality cotton/rayon brocade was well worth it! I would never have been able to own such regal garment myself...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  26. Dearest Mariette,
    You look FABULOUS in this outfit!!! You look so gorgeous and elegant... a real princess! You did an awesome job!
    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Anna,
      And those words come from an Italian lady... from the country that probably inspired me most of all in many ways! GRAZIE MILLE!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete

Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...