Description

Misses 4-20; Girls 4-10.

The brightly coloured velvet blouses of Navajo women and girls date back to the 1870s when machine woven textiles were first brought to the newly established trading posts.  This snugly fitting pullover blouse is typically lined with calico and worn over a voluminously gathered and tiered “broomstick skirt”.  The Navajos traditionally embellished many  or all of the seams with silver jewellry and coins.  Decorated or not, this blouse is a versatile and practical addition to any wardrobe.

Our Navajo Blouse, sized for women and girls from age 4 is unlined: instructions are included for contrasting (usually calico) facing at collar, neck and cuffs.  A decorative neck placket at center front closes with snaps, narrow tucks accent the sleeves.  View A features a simple square collar and slip-over cuffs while View B offers a larger shaped collar with narrow neckband; sleeves are fastened with buttoned cuffs.  A decorative placket finishes the cuff opening.

There is a Navajo tiered skirt design in diagram form with the historical notes.

Suggested fabrics: Velvet, velveteen, velour, lightweight corduroy, light to medium-weight cottons, blends, and wool. For optional contrasting facings: soft, lightweight cotton (calico is traditional) or blends.