It’s been a long time since I did a Textile on Thursday post, and I thought it was high time I resurrected the practice and showed you a few bits more from my collection (also, you are probably well tired of posts about paniers and want something different!). This item began with a totally unexpected parcel, and what may be my favourite-ever opening paragraph to a letter:           “Dear Leimomi,           You know when you inherit a period piece of clothing and don’t know what to do with it?  And then you recall you have a pal who is a fashion historian?  Exactly.” It was from the wonderful Theresa, model and friend. She went on to explain that the dress had belonged to her aunt’s husband’s family in Winnebago County, Illinois.  She had no personal connection to it, could I do something with it? For a few months my ‘something’ was just hoarding it and petting it and drooling over how pretty it is, but now it’s …