posted on February 7, 2002 12:00:28 PM new
I bought a large box of nice table linens at an auction, but I don't know my material. Here is what I have:
Linens #1:
The napkins and table cloth have a "slick" background with the flowers and decorations being high sheen.
Linens #2:
This tablecloth is smooth with a nubby trim.
Linens #3:
The tablecloth and napkins are an buttery yellow color with a rough texture. The flowers and decorations are in a silvery, maybe white texture.
I also have a white overlay. It it is not lace but has a lacy look. I have no clue what they are called.
All kinds of words like brocade and damask are coming to mind but I don't know anything about this type of stuff. Any help would be appreciated.
posted on February 7, 2002 05:28:02 PM new
Hi DixieBee, this is what it looks to be to me, No 1. a finer tighter woven cotton that has been mercerized or even a tight weave linen(I doubt) with high sheen pattern should be Damask. No.2, The slight nub is definately linen, the tell tale trait is irregular slub yarns, a little hard to tell but Damask also. no.3. Going by your description may be natural linen flax and I believe pattern to be jaquard. I am happy to give your white overlay a shot if you want you can email a pix it to me at [email protected]. by the way No.1 is just absolutely gorgeous I will be most happy to help you write a descript. If you would like.
Reenie
posted on February 8, 2002 05:37:49 PM new
Hi, Mercerizing is a process applied to a fabric predominately cotton but sometimes used on linen it is used to give a sheen and also I believe what they call tensile strength, It makes the fabric stronger, but it does have to be a tight weave. It will not have an affinity to any dye so it will repel a color. Damask is a high sheen cotton(mercerized) that is woven into designs and patterns, there are looms just for this process, I believe the jaquard loom is the most popular. Wow! that took me back to textiles 101, I hate to tell you how many years ago. hope that helps.
Reenie
posted on February 8, 2002 09:48:55 PM new
I have a suggestion. Go into ebay and check the closed auctions under linen and see what they have to say about linens. Are there any labels on any of the items. I think they are all called linen (damask).
Defination of Damask: A firm lustrous reversible figured fabric made of varius ffibers and used especially for household linen
