subject: Provencal Fabrics – A Great Choice for Your Household Linens [print this page] Provencal Fabrics A Great Choice for Your Household Linens
Provencal fabrics come from Provence, in southeastern France on the Mediterranean. Currently available worldwide, these fabrics make a practical and beautiful choice while being easy to care for. Provenal fabrics have their beginnings in the 17th century when a company in France imported Indian linen. This came in very bright colors and patterns and was called "Indiennes". They quickly gained in popularity and were used to make dresses and house linens. Subsequently, local manufacturers began to produce Provenal fabric, including French designs.
The Process Of Production
The making of Provencal fabric involves an elaborate process. The first step is whitening the linen. The patterns are then sketched with stencils. Bright colors, made from natural plant dyes, are used to color these patterns. When completed, the cloth was washed and dried. Gradually, the production techniques were modernized, but the original colors and patterns have been maintained.
The markets of Provence have an extensive collection of Provenal table linens and fabric. Specifically in Provence, the ancient technique is still used to make the fabric. They are either hand printed or printed using brass rollers based on craftsmen's drawings.
Reputed companies in the U.S. such as Amelie Michel now bring you this precious fabric in the form of house linens, inspired by the ancient printed cotton, yet seamlessly adapted to present preferences. The cloth is bright, lively and fresh, bringing in a bit of Provence into the buyers' home.
Provence is popular for its olive trees, lavender fields, poppies, sunflowers, cicadas and rosemary. The area has many ancient villages in naturally beautiful settings steeped in history and culture. The work of some of the world's greatest artists such as Picasso, Czanne and Renoir are reputed to have been inspired by Provence.
The best part of Provenal fabrics is their durability and color fastness. They look good through several washes and do not need to be ironed. They are also resistant to stain. They are ideal for use both indoors and outdoors, allowing you to enjoy a barbeque without having to worry about getting your tablecloths clean again. The jacquard cotton poly weaves from the old French mills are good quality and easy to care for. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and prints, these traditional French tablecloths drape well and look and feel great.
Provenal fabrics or French made fabrics bring warmth to your home with their cheery bright colors and patterns. The table cloths, napkins, bedding and runners made from these fabrics are very easy to maintain and look new through years of use.
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If you would like to see house linens made from Provencal fabric before you buy them, get in touch with Amelie Michel. They carry an extensive range, sourced directly from France.
