I bought this!

[justawench]

I don't know if this link will work, as the newly-bought item seems to be in limbo: http://www.ebay.com/itm/380633018286?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649Read more... )

Comments

[heidilea]

Neat!

Your research has inspired me to get a "spotted handkerchief."

Also, a lot of other things. I got through most of Hallie's blog last night and saw the bit about linen colors. Alas! My mulberry 'coat is no good. Now, I'm wondering: should I sell it and make a new one or dye it blue or brown?

The bummer though: I hate the color of my orange fustian 'coat, but I guess since it's period I'll be keeping it!

And so much other crap, to be posted later. :P

[justawench]

Have you read the article by Paul Dickfoss (of Wm. Booth, Draper) on spotted handkerchiefs?

http://www.nwta.com/Spy/summer99/spotted.html

Now that I notice them, spotted handkerchiefs are in many prints and paintings. I think they may be the most common kind, and seriously under-represented.

[heidilea]

I am in agreement. I remember, many, many moons ago, looking through images of common people in either Edinburgh or Inverness in reference to a Scottish persona I was imagining (for Ren Fair purposes). The earliest images are from 1780, and one fishwife was wearing a spotted handkercheif around her head. I remember wondering how they made fabric spotted. Do you think this might be why they are uncommon? Because people weren't sure how they were done? I think they are rather becoming.

The article is older, but still current (as far as research goes). Burnley and Trowbridge recently started selling blue and purple spotted hankies. Maybe it'll become a trend?