10 Search Results for: Voile lawn

Voile, lawn, muslin. What’s the difference (the short answer)

A Note: this post is a refresh and an update of a post that was originally written in 2010 In response to my post on the history of muslin, the Baroness von Vintage has asked what the difference between voile, lawn and muslin is. The problem with defining fabrics is that fabrics are an art, not a science. You can clearly define the chemical makeup on anything, but strictly breaking all art into particular periods or definitions? Not as easy. Especially since definitions have varied throughout history, and vary across countries today. I’ll try though. All three are lightweight fabrics, with some element of sheerness. Today they are usually made of cotton, but you also fine them in linen. Basically, if it has an open weave, it is muslin (except in the US, where muslin is a cheap, plain fabric, and muslin gauze is an open weave). This weave is also called mull or book muslin. It’s just a little tighter and smoother than cheesecloth. If it is very tightly woven with fine, glossy …

The Ettie Petticoat: Tester Makes!

Published by The Dreamstress

Testers help me make sure a pattern is as perfect as possible. They point out any bits that are rough or confusing. They provide feedback on things I can’t decide: would you prefer if the pattern included did X or Y? And, obviously, pattern testers are super helpful to you, the pattern buyer. Testers mean you can see a pattern in a whole range of fabrics, and on a whole range of bodies.

Terminology: what is a lingerie dress or lingerie frock? (and blouse, and skirt)

Published by The Dreamstress

Tea Gowns vs. Lingerie Dresses Start searching for the ubiquitous Edwardian white cotton & lace dresses online, and you’ll quickly find a name for them: tea gowns. There are hundreds on etsy by that name. Vintage Textile uses the term. Augusta Auctions sells them in lots of three in every sale that includes 1900s garments. Those are NOT tea gowns (well, more precisely, they were never called tea gowns in any era in which this style of dress was fashionable). Or tea dresses. Tea gowns is a specific period term that refers to a a totally different kind of garment. This is a tea gown: As is this: And this. Note how different those examples are from the ones on all the sales sites? That’s because they are totally different styles of garment. Tea gowns were made of rich, heavy fabrics, often in colours, and usually featured elaborate, trailing sleeves. You can read more about them here. In contrast, the dresses called tea gowns by modern sellers are made in very lightweight, delicate fabrics, almost …