What is the history behind vintage chenille?
Chenille is french for “caterpillar.” It is generally used to describe a fabric with tufted pile or raised yarn threads. The technique was developed by a young woman named, Catherine Evans Whitener, in the 1890’s. The process became very popular during the Great Depression as a means to bring extra income to struggling farm families. The families would hand stitch the colorful designs onto bedspreads that were then sold in popular department stores, such as Sears Roebuck, and Spiegel. If you would like to see actual department store advertisements for these fabulous spreads from 1934-1972 catalogs, visit the Murray County Museum website at http://www.murraycountymuseum.com/ec.html. You may even recognize some of the designs in our clothing line. Remember, our clothes are made from authentic vintage fabrics. At Regal Cottage Kids, we think Catherine Evans Whitener would be proud to see the transformation of her invention into our breathtaking chenille dresses!
