Name: 70s by “sis” hand embellished folk art shirt
Brand: unsigned
Price: 98.00 USD
Availability: InStock

70s by “sis” hand embellished folk art shirt

vintage | unsigned

$98.00 USD

1 left

the look

this hand-embellished chambray shirt strongly reflects the 1970s folk art and craft revival, a period when clothing was frequently transformed into a personal, narrative object through handwork. during the decade, everyday garments like chambray work shirts were favored as accessible canvases, valued for their association with labor, rural life, and utilitarian american dress.

makers in the 1970s often layered embroidery, hand painting, appliqué, and crochet onto factory-made pieces, embracing visible imperfection and mixed techniques as a rejection of polished, industrial fashion. the imagery here- fishing scenes (with hanging fish!!), animals, florals, playful text, aligns closely with 1970s wearable folk art, which drew on back-to-the-land ideals, domestic craft traditions, and a nostalgic view of everyday life. the back is painted with the name ‘edith inez,’ likely referencing a personal dedication or character within the garment’s folk narrative, a common practice in 1970s handmade artwear.

unlike later 1990s folk-revival garments, which tend to be more ironic, stylized, or commercially produced, this piece shows the intuitive, earnest hand of an individual maker - "sis".

details

era: 1970s
designer: unsigned
origin: likely usa
design: cotton chambray button-down shirt used as a base. extensive hand embroidery throughout featuring florals, animals, insects, and text. hand-painted narrative scenes including fishing figures, boats, birds, and animals. crochet trim hand-attached along the hem. standard pointed collar, long sleeves with button cuffs, button-front closure, and chest pocket incorporated into the artwork. unlined. all buttons original and intact.
condition: good: light, set dirt staining present in areas, visible on close inspection but not immediately noticeable when worn. staining does not detract from the overall visual impact and is consistent with age and handmade use. embroidery, paint, and crochet trim remain intact with no major losses. structurally sound and fully wearable.
size & fit: no tagged size. estimated modern women’s medium to large depending on desired fit. straight, relaxed silhouette typical of chambray shirts of the era.
flat measurements: bust approximately 22 in, shoulders approximately 18 in, sleeve length approximately 23 in, length approximately 29 in

each vintage piece has lived a life before finding its way to us, some may show signs of wear that add to its story and character.

we always disclose our condition rating and notes, but please inspect pictures thoughtfully.

learn more here.

all of our in-house products are made from salvaged textiles like quilts and table linens, deadstock vintage fabric, and other deadstock materials.

our goal is to celebrate these special fabrics and textiles by saving them and making them wearable.

we always list out all materials. because of the nature of these materials, there may be wear and details that vary from one item to the next.

all measurements in product descriptions are taken flat unless otherwise noted. we typically include an estimated modern size for reference, but we recommend reviewing all measurements.