Fractured Fabrics Trivia Quiz

Answer: Chiffon

Chiffon is a beautiful sheer fabric that comes in many dainty patterns and colours. It was originally made from silk, but today comes manufactured in nylon and polyester as well. This low maintenance material is usually found in blouses and scarves, or as a delicate overlay on ball gowns for example.

It appears to float gracefully as one moves and could be likened to the floating movements of a butterfly in flight.

Answer: Calico

Calico is a type of plain and sturdy unbleached cotton not as strong as denim, but still long wearing and practical. This woven cloth originates from the southwest of India, and is usually dyed bright colours to give it a little more appeal.

Answer: Corduroy

Corduroy is described as twisted fibres woven together in a straight line, to give the material a rope-like effect. From a distance it looks a little like a ploughed field. The word itself is a combination of the two words, cord and duroy. Duroy, a woollen cloth, was manufactured in 18th century England. Corduroy is a long wearing fabric usually seen in trousers, jackets and some furnishing coverings.

It's lovely and warm in winter.

Answer: Gingham

Gingham is a plain no-nonsense checked fabric of various colours. The coloured lines are woven on the waft threads while the (usually white) background is always woven on the weft. It was originally woven in stripes only in the 18th century, but the checked effect is more appealing and can really be dressed up with cross-stitch patterns. Fashion designers often make new fashions out of gingham as a form of test run because the fabric is quite inexpensive. You will often see the heroines in western movies wearing dresses out of gingham to increase their honest and hard working "little western woman" appeal.

Answer: Georgette

Georgette is a sheer soft fabric a lot like chiffon, but rather less transparent. Originally made from silk, but now from crepe, articles made from this classy fabric include blouses, dresses and evening gowns.

Answer: Jersey

Jersey is a lightweight knit fabric once made from wool but today is more often than not made from synthetic materials instead. First made in Jersey (the Channel Islands), it has a slight stretchy feel to it and is perfect for those of you who hate ironing, as it comes out of the washing machines unwrinkled, bless its little woven heart.

Answer: Angora

Another lightweight fabric, this is made from made from the fibre of the Angora rabbit. Angora has a reputation for softness and with a silky, natural feel to the fabric. Mohair, another lovely silky material, comes from the Angora goat. Surprisingly, angora is warmer than wool but much lighter.

It also is lovely and cool in summer and the material seems to float when one is wearing it. Warm in winter and cool in summer, this is a fabric for all seasons.

Answer: Organdie

Organdy or organdie is actually made from cotton, but because the fibres are thoroughly combed before the weaving process begins, it gives the fabric a beautifully sheer appearance. At the same time, because of its cotton base, it is a very crisp material to wear but can wrinkle easily.

This fabric comes in either a stiff finish (perfect for curtains) or semi-stiff and soft (ideal for dresses and summer wear).

Answer: Paisley

Paisley is a rather garish, highly decorated fabric that was introduced into England in the 18th century from designs manufactured in India, particularly those found in Kashmir shawls. The paisley patterned design, which I really dislike, is said to look a little like a teardrop or a fig.

Other people insist that it is a Zoroastrian symbol for life, eternity and the essence of that ancient religion. I truly don't like it, its convoluted patterns and more than anything, its ghastly clashing, lurid colours.

Answer: Seersucker

Seersucker is a light fabric that, even when ironed, has a kind of bumpy feel to it. Its name originates from the two Persian words, sheer and shakar, which translate to milk and sugar. Milk represents the smooth parts of the fabric between those very small bumps in the fabric, which are representative of grains of sugar. Cool to wear and with many articles of clothing made from it, seersucker became a very popular fabric in England's hotter colonies such as India and Australia.

It was also ideal for mattress ticking and pillow cases.