
audiobook
by Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mitchell) Gibbs
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS BULLETIN
In an era when ready‑made clothing has replaced home sewing, many families find themselves uncertain about the true quality of the fabrics they buy. This bulletin traces the shift from hand‑spun wool and flax to the factory‑produced textiles that line modern wardrobes, explaining why that transition matters for the household budget. It reminds readers that a solid grasp of textile basics can still save time, money, and frustration.
The guide walks listeners through the four principal fibers—cotton, linen, wool and silk—outlining their natural strengths, typical uses, and common shortcuts manufacturers employ. Simple, sensory tests for spotting heavy sizing, unwanted starches or cheap blends are described without requiring a laboratory. By the end of the first act, listeners will feel equipped to ask the right questions at the store and choose fabrics that truly match durability and value.
Language
en
Duration
~29 minutes (28K characters)
Release date
Jul 4, 2025
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1885–1961
An early 20th-century writer on household science, she turned the complicated world of fabrics into practical advice for everyday readers. Her books focus on helping people understand textiles, choose wisely, and use household materials with confidence.
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