I sew a lot with Bengaline and like it. No, it is not a natural fiber, but when you are in a pinch it not only suffices but excels if used in period appropriate styles. The fabric that I have used has a very slight ribbed texture, and is close to faille in appearance, maybe a smidge heaveir. The material holds up to rough wear at events and such, and dry cleans beautifully. I have never tried to machine wash it, but have been told that it holds up well in the wash also. You guys can just go ahead and laugh now.... My very first piece of real period style garb was an Elizabethan gown that I made with a pattern that I based on a Period Pattern pattern, their patterns of course not even remotely fitting me. I was very cash strapped, and had no idea of where I was going to come up with 10 yards or thereabouts of fabric. I sat in my parlor, and my eyes traveled to the draperies that had been left by the previous owner - yards and yards of a dusty rose bengaline with black tie backs and valances. The parlor looked much nicer with just the lace sheers, and I wound up with a lovely bodice, skirt and hat. The dining room drapes went next, also out of bengaline. I made a gown for myself, and an outfit for a daughter out of those drapes. I am not sure where the inspiration came from, Gone With the Wind or the Sound of Music, but either way, the bengaline worked great. :) ~Kimberley -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 11:44:04 EDT Subject: Re: [h-cost] Good News
In a message dated 7/27/2005 9:10:20 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What is Bengaline, havent got a clue? Since no one has replied yet--it is one of the crosswise ribbed fabrics (originally made from silk, of course), similar to faille and grosgrain. There is an order of these fabrics from fine ribs to fatter ones, but I don't remember exactly how they fall. I think bengaline is one of the fatter ones. Also, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe some of these have "stuffers" to make the ribs fatter. Ann Wass _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
