Viyella
One of our favourite fabrics to work with for our Fall and Winter collections of little girls’ hand-smocked dresses is viyella (vī yel′ə, vi-). This gorgeous fabric is made of natural fibres and is soft and cozy, making it perfect for dresses for every little girl during the colder months. For the 2008 Fall and 2009 Winter we used viyella in our stunning and unique new Jane hand-smocked dress.
What is viyella? This soft, light, flannel-like fabric is made of a blend of lamb’s wool (merino wool) and fine cotton. It was first woven in 1893 in England and originally made made of 55 per cent merino wool and 45 per cent cotton in a twill weave. The name Viyella is based on the unusually-named valley road, Via Gellia, near Matlock in England, where in 1890 Hollins & Co., the first makers of viyella, acquired a mill used for the early production of viyella. Viyella was a soft dress-weight fabric which was more resistant to shrinkage than any comparable pure wool alternative. It rapidly became the most famous and coveted cloth in the world, renowned for its durability and softness. Viyella was the first fabric to be branded.
The viyella we use at PerryWinkles Kids is made in Peru, with local merino wool and 100% pima cotton – absolutely gorgeous, soft, elegant and cozy.
After today’s gorgeous and warm day in the East coast, it’s hard to imagine our little princesses will be needing warmer outfits.
Maria
PerryWinkles Kids – fine girls’ smocked dresses
