I was recently interviewed by a Chilean journalist* who asked when I had the first inkling that textile history might provide a subject for a book. It was a more precise question than the usual one about what inspired The Fabric of Civilization and brought me back to the research for this article, which was originally published in the May 2007 issue of The Atlantic. At the time, I didn’t think I’d done the subject justice. But reading the piece now, I think it’s excellent. During the research, I saw the purple-and-black dress that got me thinking about the connections between textiles and technology. The research also put me in touch with the marvelous Dennita Sewell, who later encouraged me to attend the Textile Society of America conference that ultimately led to the book.
Art must include all crafts. Not just the making of fabrics and from fabrics making clothing. Ms. Postrel, there is a UK author of historical fiction named Sarah Waldock whose knowledge of fabric from early times onward is included in her series of Renaissance characters The Felicia and Robin Mysteries. I learned a lot about the entire industry of cloth from her books. They include details not just of weaving fine and humbler fabrics but also dyes, embellishments, the frequent reuse and reprising of fine expensive fabrics, garment construction, and the international trade affecting fashion. (The books or ebooks on on Amazon.)
Excellent article!
Art must include all crafts. Not just the making of fabrics and from fabrics making clothing. Ms. Postrel, there is a UK author of historical fiction named Sarah Waldock whose knowledge of fabric from early times onward is included in her series of Renaissance characters The Felicia and Robin Mysteries. I learned a lot about the entire industry of cloth from her books. They include details not just of weaving fine and humbler fabrics but also dyes, embellishments, the frequent reuse and reprising of fine expensive fabrics, garment construction, and the international trade affecting fashion. (The books or ebooks on on Amazon.)
Indeed, excellent.