This vintage reproduction fabric
accurately reflects the textiles of a time period when
glazed fabrics, roller prints and pillar prints were
popular. Indigo prevailed as the preferred blue dye for
a number of reasons: a substantive dye which needed no
mordant, and it was extremely fast to washing and to
light, making it a "reliable". The manufacture
of natural indigo lasted well into the early 1900s.
At the same time, colors became more
dazzling. The dye process was long and involved, and
colors changed depending on the mordents which were
used. Home dyes used onionskin, nut shells and bark to
create yellows, browns and greens. Ombre or gradient
prints were particularly common, many with lacy or leafy
floral designs, and combined with a stripe of some sort
for a strong contrast.
Nancy chose these exceptional color
combinations in response to the growing demand from
reproduction enthusiasts looking for fabrics offering
cheddars and soft browns from that era. The intricate
engravings and delicate texures are truly outstanding
when presented in this palette.
