1 yd/mtr pale grey grosgrain millinery ribbon

[retro ruth]

And this one from 1929 describes it as a soft draping material very appropriate for coats - again a silk http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16546007

This from 1929 describes and shows a "Black silk and wool givrine coat, black and white chenille embriodery."

http://patrimoine.jalougallery.com/lofficiel-de-la-mode-numero_91-page_78-detailp-13-85-78.html

 

[retro ruth]

aha! from 1953

http://www.tipsimages.it/Photo/Show...gsz=250&cl_c=c&cl_bw=bw&chrm=start&chrf=start

Describes a dress of "givrine - a grosgrain like material"

now we are getting somewhere

 

[retro ruth]

From 1911, a good description of what it is:
Givrine—a new corded effect, like a very soft Faille

So it's a faille-like weave I guess, usually made in silk but also wool, or a wool-silk blend. I did also see references to 'printed givrine'

 

[retro ruth]

(sorry to hi-jack your thread Melanie, but you all know what I'm like when I get into an obsessive google research hunt)

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Go Ruth go!

Thank you - consider me educated

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

"6 yards of Givrine, please, in a medium aubergine shade, thank you. Oh, wait, my local dry goods shop is all out! Perhaps I shall try the notions counter at Gimbels?".

I wish...I wish to go back in time and shop for my fabrics.

 

[retro ruth]

"I'll take 6 yards of allover embroidered marquisette, in an evening shade."

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Me too! I love the old fabrics. Silk faille for me please, and a few bolts of that floral rayon crepe too while you're at it.