Hello Reproduction Fabric Friends,

There is always a little more to a fabric than just a beautiful print. Sometimes its story reaches back hundreds of years.

A Little History: Cotton Meets Linen

I have written before about the restrictions placed on cotton textiles in England during the 18th century. Taxes on cotton began in 1685, followed by bans in 1701 that became even more restrictive in 1720.

The English wool industry was under increasing pressure from the popularity of imported Indian cotton textiles, as well as from the growing textile industry around Lancashire. Parliament responded by restricting the use and sale of printed cottons.

An important change came with the Manchester Act of 1736, which permitted certain mixed-fiber fabrics for domestic consumption.

These "blended" fabrics were different from what we generally mean by a blend today. Today, we might describe a fabric as 70% cotton and 30% linen because the fibers are blended within the cloth. In the 18th century, a mixed cloth could be constructed with a linen warp and cotton weft.

John Marshall and Sons 1819-1821, Manchester, England, roller printed cotton, The Whitworth, The University of Manchester

A coarser version of linen-and-cotton cloth was known as fustian and was often associated with practical, working-class clothing.

Linen itself also has a fascinating history. Linen woven in England could be sent to bleaching fields in places such as Haarlem in the Netherlands. Lengths of cloth were spread over grass, repeatedly sprinkled with water and exposed to the sun. Alkaline and acidic treatments could also be part of the process. Achieving a beautifully bleached cloth could take months.

The development of chlorine bleaching in the late 18th century dramatically shortened the process. Advances like these helped transform textile production and were part of the technological changes surrounding Britain's Industrial Revolution.

From 18th-Century Blends to Breathtaking Blues

All of this history makes our newest arrival especially fun.

Breathtaking Blues by 3 Sisters for Moda Fabrics is a gorgeous collection of faded blues, deep navies, soft creams and warm neutrals. Graceful florals, winding vines and botanical motifs give the collection the feeling of textiles collected over generations.

Among the collection are five beautiful cotton/linen blend fabrics, now available in the shop by the yard.

The linen gives these fabrics a slightly heavier hand and wonderful texture compared with traditional quilting cotton. While today's cotton/linen blends are certainly different from the mixed cloth of the 18th century, we love that they give us an opportunity to talk about this long history of cotton and linen being used together.

And, of course, we couldn't resist finding another way to use them!

NEW: Breathtaking Blues One Yard Apron Kits

We have created five new apron kits, one for each of our Breathtaking Blues cotton/linen colorways.

The slightly heavier hand of the cotton/linen fabric makes it a wonderful choice for an apron—substantial enough for something that will be used and enjoyed, while still soft and beautiful.

We had fun pairing each linen blend with just the right coordinating cotton. The blues and creams make these aprons feel classic, useful and just a little special.

They would make a lovely project for your own kitchen—or a wonderful handmade gift. And with five different colorways, you may have a hard time choosing just one!

Breathtaking Blues cotton/linen yardage and our new One Yard Apron Kits are now in the shop. Shop Now.

COMING THIS NOVEMBER — A NEW BLOCK OF THE MONTH! 

We’re excited to give you a first peek at A Simple Life: Baskets, a beautiful new history-inspired BOM designed by Krisanne Watkins of Quail Valley Quilts.

Inspired by the bold geometric quilts created by generations of Amish women, this striking quilt pairs classic Basket blocks with dramatic black backgrounds, warm earthy colors, and four beautiful center blocks.

And because we love connecting the fabrics we stitch with the history behind them, this program will include history lessons from Reproduction Fabrics along the way, plus helpful videos. Sign Up is open now!

Happy stitching!

Reproduction Fabrics
Fabric of a bygone era.