Chinese, India, Persian, English & French “taffety” or taffeta were all common silks advertised in the 18th and 19th centuries. Woven plain, they were made in a variety of colors; some changeable, some “chine” or warp printed, some with stripes, checks and patterns. All were woven in a like fashion, varying only in their width, or number of silk yarns in the warp and weft. After the American Revolution, great quantities of silk came to the states directly from China, including taffetas, satins and lustrings. Silk was available to all social classes in varying qualities; for instance, those with less wealth might have purchased cheaper silks or found silks from the second hand market. Stripes and checks (including patterns that you might call a plaid today) were among the many types of patterns woven.
The Victoria & Albert holds a French Merchant's silk book of 1764 with a variety of patterns. We do not have documentation for a check this large in our own 18th century research, so we feel this silk would be best suited to the 1840's onward.
- This is a Time Traveling Fabric.
- It is lightweight with a crisp hand.
- It is suitable for ladies gowns, skirts, jackets, mantles, pelisses, men's banyans and wrapping gowns, waistcoats, linings, accessories and children's clothing. Also suitable for household applications such as bed or window treatments.
- 100% Silk, 53 inches wide.
