I have been gifted several boxes of mystery fabric for a project that I've been working on, long term. One of those fabrics is relatively heavy weight (like denim or slightly thicker) and textured with flowers. I wonder if anyone can identify what this fabric might have been used for. I know that it is at least 20 to 30 years old, so that may be a clue. It is also 100% cotton and white. I have at least one whole bolt of it; possibly more. The fabric is actually all white; my camera just didn't have enough light to give an accurate picture. Each flower is about 2.5" (6.5 cm) across. I would love to hear what you have to say!!

Sorry forgot to add picture.

1 images:[1]

Without actually feeling the fabric it's a tad hard to tell but it does resemble the bedspreads so popular in the 40' & 50's.
These were matelasse and in the early spring or early fall would also serve as a light blanket. Very beautiful and edges were either straight or done in scallops.I have 2 ,a light turquoise and a very light yellow.
Love them.

1 comment

by justonlyme 10 Nov 2013

Thank you! You have given the correct term to this fabric. I searched by image for matelasse and came up with a wide variety of similar fabrics. Yours is beautiful too!

It looks like the old chenille bedspreads but chenille wouldn't feel like denim so I'm stumped.

2 comments

by justonlyme 10 Nov 2013

I was too! :)

by lucypiwow 11 Nov 2013

THATS THE FIRST THINK I THOUGHT OF . LUCY

It looks very similar to the white bedspreads my mother had for years (long ago). They were very sturdy and withstood washing well. Does the bolt have washing instructions on it? That might give clues as to what to make with it. My mother dyed one of the spreads and it looked beautiful! If you decide to make totes out of it, I would consider using fabric dye.

1 comment

by justonlyme 10 Nov 2013

The bolts only had hand written notes on them, and the ink had faded. I was a little concerned about making totes, because I remember seeing something very similar to this being used in corsets way back when. Now that I know, I think I'll have some fun with it!

It is beautiful! I agree it would be beautiful as curtains and a bedspread. I think it would also make a lovely tote bag, place mats and coasters.

1 comment

by justonlyme 10 Nov 2013

Agreed on all accounts! Thank you!

Might be lovely as a bedspread. I might even do a jacket...it is lovely.

1 comment

by justonlyme 10 Nov 2013

Hmm, I hadn't thought of a bedspread, but I bet that would be awesome. Thank you!

Resembles matte lasse bed spreads. It is beautiful and would make a great bed set for a girl. Hugs. Nan

1 comment

by justonlyme 10 Nov 2013

You hit the nail on the head here! That is what it is. After looking at pictures, I verified. I had never heard that term before.

looks like upholstery or drapery material.

It reminds me of those heavy type damask tablecloths that my Nanna used to have. Maybe it was used for tablecloths, or even Curtains! Love Chris

1 comment

by justonlyme 10 Nov 2013

This is so heavy that it would have to have some very sturdy rods to hold it up. But this would make a beautiful tablecloth or bedspread, now that I know what it is. :)

sorry, I have material older then that and have never seen this material.

2 comments

by lilylady 10 Nov 2013

like to see how you use it!

by justonlyme 10 Nov 2013

IF I have enough, I like the idea of making a bedspread. If not, then I'll probably dye it light green and make a handbag.