… which were/are native to parts of India, yielding gorgeous organic dyed silk fabrics exported to Europe & the American Colonies. (photos: late Regency era silk ball gown)

… (with green trim typically) were the number one choice of women in the late 18th Century (1780’s-1800). (photos: 1770’s reproduction stays, & museum displayed 1770’s pink stays) NOTE: We know this is a re-enacter, because no respectable 18th century woman would be caught dead outside in her underwear!.. although …

… and we’d love to build a southern belle costume for you!

We can do it! (Well, maybe not the 13″ waist..) BRING YOUR CURTAINS! (or we’ll provide gorgeous fabrics). We’re looking for a new project to start sewing March 2017 – message or email [email protected]. Big discounts in 2017!

… from the Regency era, courtesy of Indian fabrics.

1770 to 1820, cotton from India was famous for dyes. Different colors came from different regions: indigo blue from plants that grew in special places, yellow from turmeric & saffron, red from plants & trees with the chemical, alizarin. (photos: 1770’s every day dresses from cotton dyed in India, bringng …

…and cotton fabric India gave to Europe & Colonial America in the Regency Era (1770-1810). (photos: 1770 French gown with “panniers” of Indian brocade fabric)  

… so Indian cotton was really important during the Regency era. Women invented all sorts of lovely wraps and shawls to keep warm. (photo: Regency shawls of Indian cottons with many dye techniques and embellishments)

… for the type of dyes used in multiple colored prints on cotton. (photos:  authentic 18th century calico, and modern day replicas.  Can you tell which is which?)

…from India that was one of the reasons Indian cotton was so popular, especially in France in the 18th & 19th centuries. (photos: 1760-1770 museum displays of French gowns made of India cotton with resistance dye process)