OK, OK, I simply could not resist posting this vintage gem – even though this is CROCHET, not knitting (and I think knitters all over the globe can all be thankful for that). I truly believe this picture deserves a better fate than being stuck in an old book, forever hidden from prying eyes. The item originally appeared with this text:

Show Stoppers

Cossack costume? (Etruscan, Tartar, Mongolian?) No, it’s simply a crocheted wool caftan – a guaranteed party stopper.

I can’t help admiring the person who was faced with the job of writing that caption, and came up with that delightful piece of prose.

• First, because she actually used the word “simple” in connection with this piece of work. (!)
• Second, because she tried to pin down the “correct” ethnic heritage of the garment in question.
• And finally, because (despite the original title of "Show Stopper") she far more correctly referred to it as a “party stopper".

Try putting this on after a few drinks at your next shindig. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that everyone will leave your house within 5 minutes. I love the fact that it got past the proofreader, too. Or maybe they were in cahoots.