"I would also bet that keeping clothing white was very difficult and expensive in the middle ages and so that also showed off a person's wealth." Liz Redford "White meant rich." Lyn in PA
*** That is what first came to mind for me. My grandmother and mother had to have everything "white" of the whitest white, (which I always felt was tied to my grandmother's UK royal lineage, which most all of us have in some type or way...). The energy and knowledge it takes to keep a white blouse or linens a white white, takes some knowing. My elders had a disdain for anything less, and my mother would bring home white towels and whiten them more, before they could be used. Then they were used once, and washed again. Something cream or ecru could be fudged and worn again, I suppose, but a white lace collar against the skin would at least pick up oils and need to be cleaned again, to make sure it didn't yellow. Doing all of that work (especially the ruffled works) would require it as a part time job, just for one. I would also suppose (as I think someone mentioned) that white thread at that time would cost more, as it was additionally processed. Traditionally, most people have dark hair, and so pure white is more flattering to wear. I find myself cringing at natural colored fibers as they look soiled or aged or uncared for, and think that is the unconscious reason why colored lace isn't often embraced...it could indicate there was a stain, or something of lesser quality was colored to cover it up. Cream and ecru (and colors) are also difficult to clean, as they tend to whiten, whereas white can be treated with no concern other than damaging the fibers themselves. Nowadays we have such gorgeous colors to choose from, that I hope that perspective fades. To me, white has always appeared as purity, esteem, regality, etc. I suppose white christening gowns and brides dresses, nuns collars, etc., validate that. I am knitting white tip towels and hand towels, and when asked what I am doing, the first comment is, "Oh that will be hard to clean!" when I feel it is quite the opposite. My sister got similar comments to her queries about why most things were white, when buying heirloom pieces for all the family in Belgium. The sales clerks said you can get white really clean and remove stains, but really hard with anything else. Best, Susan Reishus - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
