Feature Friday: Renaissance Fabrics
Online fabric shopping is a trial at the best of times. Finding just the right pattern or print can be frustrating, and add to that the extra challenge of finding something appropriate for a historical project…But this month’s feature to the rescue! Renaissance Fabrics specializes in natural-fiber fabrics for all your historically inspired projects.
The store carries a large selection of exclusive fabrics and designs, from solid colored taffetas to cottons to figured silks. Two of their most exciting products are their custom silk damask patterns.
Perfect for medieval and renaissance projects, the Lionheart Silk Damask comes in five different colorways, including this gorgeous Gilded Sapphire. The striking geometric pattern is bold and eye-catching and would make a stunning gown or accent!
Looking for something a little more subtle, but still dramatic? The Versailles Silk Damask is striking yet subdued. You can choose something like the soft pink colorway or go more bold with red. The delicate mix of figured dots and trailing florals would work for projects from the 18th century to well into the 19th and 20th centuries. It would look particularly gorgeous as a pair of 18th century stays or a Victorian corset!
Silk not your thing? They also have a wide selection of striped and dotted cottons. Both the Kitty Dimity and the Antoinette Dotted Voile would make wonderful Regency dresses or even a fun summer dress or blouse.
These are just a few examples from their exclusive line of fabrics. They carry an ever-changing assortment of other silks and cottons, not to mention wools and linens!
The store carries a wide range of trims and notions. You can find lace and ribbons, buttons and boning, and even silk and cotton threads that are color matched to their fabrics. Additionally, they have recently started offering PDF pattern printing services, so you can pick your fabric, find your coordinating notions, and order your pattern printout and have it all shipped together.
They also realize that shopping for fabric online is a bit of a guessing game. Without seeing a fabric in person, it’s hard to know if the drape or hand is what you are looking for. To help with this, Renaissance Fabrics provides up to four free swatches for both domestic and international customers. That way you can make sure a fabric is right for your project before committing to a big purchase.
You can find all of the fabrics shown here, as well as lots more on their website, www.rennaissancefabrics.net, and you cand find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RenaissanceFabrics and on Instagram @renaissancefabrics.