I was recently given several large bags of vintage fabrics, all of it either linen or silk. There are several very large pieces of very tightly woven linen as well as similar large pieces of very tightly woven silk. (probably 6 to 8 yard pieces) All are natural ecru color. The problem is they have gotten brown "age spots". I know I can probably dye a darkish color to hide them, but I'm wondering if there is any way to remove the spots totally. The silk and the linen are both in excellent condition otherwise, with no weakening at all that I can tell. A couple of the pieces have been washed and dryed, and this didn't seem to really hurt them at all, only tightened them up a bit.
I'm also wondering what to do with this, if it can be used. The silk has a very stiff hand but very few slubs. It rather handles like a heavy dupioni, but without the slubby texture. It is not shiny or lustery either. It just seems strong and durable, not glitzy and glamorous. As for the background story, this was part of a "Life Collection" of an 80-something woman who lives where I work. She's widowed and childless, and has decided it's time to clear up some things while she's still able. I was told the linen came from Panama in the 1950's (so it may not be true linen but some other natural fiber) I was also given a bag of patterns from the 40's, which are great fun. She was a tall, large-boned woman so her patterns won't take too much to size up to fit me, as well as the styles being suitable for me. (Yeah, it was Christmas in June for me~!) So my questions are: How do I get brown spots out, and what can I use this unusual fabric for? Thanks for any and all help and suggestions! Linda _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
