Historical Patterns

[Matty Bottles]

While perusing my mothers collection of "old" fabrics (bolts of wool she has kept from the fifties, and, with the help of mothballs, kept hole-free) I noticed some wonderful herring-bone wool just dying to be made into a frock coat. But I have no idea if herring-bone, as a pattern, existed in the early 1700's. It is amazing to think of how modern some 'old" things are to us. So. Does anyone have any notion of when some now-common patterns or weaves appeared? I'm thinking of herring-bone, houndstooth, and that sort of 'classic' style, but really, any number of things could be discussed. Thinking of hand-painted slops, any sort of printed pattern is up for question, too.

[Rumba Rue]

Tale a trip to your local library and look for books on 'Textiles'.

Unfortunately I can't answer your question about the material you have.

But I'm sure someone here can.

Rumba Rue

**Mind is lost in a sand storm**

['Salem Bob']

Ahoy Bloody Jack,

Herringbone patterns appear in Europe by the 13th century at least (See the Museum of London 'finds' Series book on textiles for in depth information), and I have personally handled a mid 15th century Italian brigandine fragment (from Chalsis) covered in a herringbone patterned hemp cloth.

Wool cloth undoubtedly was woven in a herringbone pattern in Northern Europe and used during the 17th and 18th centuries - as to how fashionable it was during any particular decade, I really do not know.

P.S.

Edited to add "in a herringbone pattern" - obviously wool was plentifully woven in Europe, being the predominate cloth used for clothing in the region throughout history.

'Post in haste, repent at liesure'