Antique and Vintage Fabrics ~ Do You Know These Names?

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Here is a very useful little booklet published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers Bulletin No. 1449, dated March 1926. This particular booklet is titled "Selection Of Cotton Fabrics". Now if you were studying this booklet it would include chapters on uses for various fabrics, weaves, finishes and dyes. Really a learning lesson here! . However, it is the glossary that intriqued me the most as to the names of some of the cottons. Of course, we all know what broadcloth, swiss, velveteen and percale fabrics are but here are some lesser known names ~ Shaker flannel, Tarlatan, Birdseye diaper and another one called apron checks.

The definition of apron checks is a gingham woven with small checks of white and blue or other single color. Usually made of coarser yarns than dress ginghams. Uses: Aprons. Ah yes, today we called this fabric homespun. Not a true homespun but a mill or manufactured homespun . Today the colors of mill homespuns are eagerly sought after with the blue and white leading the way and yes, you will see many aprons made of this fabric. And no, I have never heard this fabric referred to as apron checks.

From The Linen Closet ~ Silk Maltese Bobbin Lace Doilies

Visit The Gatherings, to see all of the beautiful antique and vintage textiles I have ~ antique clothing, hats, accessories, children's clothing, vintage bed and table linens, antique children's toys, vintage sewing notions, quilts and so much more!

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In my last post I had written about the lovely silk Maltese Cross Bobbin lace flounce. Lo and behold soon I wrote the post I received in the mail a group of silk bobbin lace doilies. Certainly the timing was perfect to write another article to show you this group of four 6" doilies all hand made.

They are so dainty. The color of the silk thread used is just the most beautiful shade giving the doilies an aire of importance.

And yet another picture of these beauties. The group is from the late Victorian or early 1900's era. Thought I would share and hope you enjoy.

Victorian Maltese Cross Silk Bobbin Lace Flounce

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The excitement of wanting to share another special purchase from the collection I bought last Tuesday was just too overwhelming not too share! Wow! What a gorgeous 19th C lace flounce. It is silk Maltese Bobbin Lace

If you look close you will see very fine detail of the wheat ears and Maltese Cross. Looking at the flounce I vision it broken into three sections. The upper portion or border along the neckline, the center section and the lower border of Maltese crosses along the scalloped edge. The center portion gives the feeling of being circular in motion with "wheels" of the dainty size wheat ears. Larger ones scroll along the top of these "circles". Three-pointed leaves form a row along the bottom edge of the circles.

The flounce measures 27" along the edge of the neckline. It is 7-1/2" wide. A very impressive size.

I can't imagine the time it took to make this flounce. I also wonder about the person who wore this lovely creation. Don't you?

For more details on this flounce please visit me here

A Tuesday Morning Appointment ~ Buying Victorian Clothing

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Out of the blue last week I was contacted by a client who wished to sell her Victorian and Edwardian clothing (mostly children's), laces, trims and a few other assorted cloth items. She has a collection of artist bears and purchased many pieces of clothing for a complete wardrobe for her bears to wear. Oh my, what a prize collection of garments those bears had to choose from!!

After a few emails and a phone call we set up an appointment for this past Tuesday morning. As she was within a half hour driving distance from me it was an easy appointment to get to. Upon arriving I did recognize her as being a buyer from Linda Mullins Teddy Bear Show in San Diego. I had sold at Linda's show for many years and had many clients who purchased my children's clothing, laces, trims & collars to dress their bears. So as I looked through her pretty things we talked about the show and other stores around the area. It was quite a delightful morning.

As I left her home with my newly acquired purchases in tow my thoughts were with the lady I just left. Even though I am only the caretaker of these items for alittle while I feel compelled to find a suitable home for each and every one of these treasures.

I thought I would show you a few of my purchased items ~ ~ ~ ~

A lovely Victorian vest made of Valenciennes lace insets alternating with rueshed lawn fabric.

Hand made Duchesse Lace yardage - oh is this yummy!

Torchon Bobbin Lace edged linen center handkerchief - unused condition.

A delightful yoke never used. Made of darn net lace with a great motif of birds, flora, and geometric design.

For further details on these items please read here

I will be posting other photos of this fabulous collection so will keep you updated.

Leggings! ~ The Art Of Dressing The Legs

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I recently was asked to write a short article for a magazine on the hosiery and how it related to fashion. Here is an exert from that article. I hope you will enjoy reading and viewing a few of the photos of stockings through the ages.

"Since the beginning of time and throughout the centuries the art of dressing legs in hosiery became fashionable. Both for men and women although for the latter the enjoyment of beautiful stockings was purely for themselves as clothing covered any view of artfully dressed legs. read on ....