Has anyone ever seen fabric like this?

[vivavintageclothing]

I just listed this dress and matching cape, dating from the early 1970s, I believe? Both pieces have wacky, pointed hemlines and are made of this rather unusual fabric. It appears to be stiff white tulle with strands of white yarn woven under it and then printed all over with swirls of color. Pretty bizarre! Anybody have a thought on what to call it, other than "printed tulle with yarn", or "unusual lace"? :scratchchin: Thanks!

 

[MyVintageCocktail]

Oh, oh, oh, I know this fabric--but I don't know if there's a specific name for it. (Or if there is, I can't recall it right now.) I'm sure I had dresses made out of this back in the 70s. I'm not sure that would be quite a tulle backing. The fabric I'm thinking of would be a bit heavier or more dense than tulle, maybe more like a cotton organdy, which would be crisp and have some body, but still be semi-sheer. Do you have a shot of the reverse side?

 

[vivavintageclothing]

Thanks Anne!

Here is a photo of a bit of the lining. The tulle layer is actually on top of the yarn, with the yarn between the tulle outer layer and the yellow lining layer . . . pretty odd!

 

[TangerineBoutique]

I have never heard of a term for this particular fabric, it is indeed unusual. It looks like a form of machine over embroidery on net. It also looks like an interiors fabric as opposed to a garment fabric. If nothing else, you can certainly call it a novelty fabric
Melody

 

[vivavintageclothing]

Thanks Melody! It is that!

 

[Linn]

I would call it a novelty weave.

 

[MyVintageCocktail]

Oh, yes, I see the tulle now--very unusual. The fabric I'm thinking of didn't have a tulle layer over it, I don't think. But I can't really remember. Yep, I'd call it a novelty yarn weave, or something like that.