In the February 9th 1770 Boston Gazette, a shopkeeper advertises that a person or persons stole a number of articles, including Handkerchiefs, “Red Ground spotted with White”. Spotted handkerchiefs and cloth appear often in ads, run-aways, genre painting and advertisements.
Originally made by “tie & dye” method in India, English dyers sought to duplicate the popular style which made for lively patterns at minimal cost. Resist printing, as one form of creating these “spots”, allowed for lively pattern and minimal cost. Our fine cotton handkerchiefs are based on Manchester ones made in imitation of India goods, featured in Florence Montgomery’s “Textiles in America” PL D-22.
- Measures approximately 35 inches x 39 inches.
- 100% hand-loomed cotton mull.
- Tie and dyed by hand and hand-finished.
- Please note that our "tie" & "dye" handkerchiefs are made in the traditional method and may require additional dye fixing. We recommend a dye fixative such as Retayne, Rit or Dharma's dye fixative. You can also use 1/2 cut salt and 2 teaspoons of vinegar to help set the dye. Always wash our handkerchiefs by hand using cold water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- About Our Handkerchiefs.
