French Stripe

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THE FRENCH STRIPE FABRIC IN NEW ZEALAND
Madder & Rouge have been bringing the beautiful French stripe fabric into New Zealand since 2001. The fabric since then has graced many New Zealand homes and beach-houses. It has proven to be colourfast and durable, and we have been impressed by the loyalty our customers have shown to the fabric.

HISTORY  OF THE FABRIC
It is 1860 and no one at the time could imagine that owing to a strong tradition of local craftsmen, a small town high in the hills, in the Catalan part of France would become the heart of "espadrilles" manufacturing.

It was at this time that Joseph Sans introduced powered looms to his native village, Saint Laurent de Cerdans. This new process was a great opportunity for the town which soon became known as the place to buy authentic espadrilles rope soled sandals. The sandals were made by hand using the colourful fabrics made in Joseph Sans factory, named Sans et Garcerie. The company became the leader in espadrilles and was soon dealing with the whole of Catalonia. Business boomed and by the 1960s, the factory employed over 170 workers.

THE MILL RE-BORN
However by 1994, Sans & Garcerie was the only remaining textile manufacture in the area and was about to close, which would have resulted in the loss of the areas most important local employer.

Luckily, the business was rescued from closure by Françoise and Henri Quinta, both of Catalan origin, who fell under the spell of the textile mill and its history. Charmed by the authenticity of the traditional fabrics, they realised their potential for interior decorating. Excited by the possibilities, they took their chance and bought the textile mill and gave it the name "Les Toiles du Soleil", which means ‘the cloth of the sun’



THE BEAUTY OF THE FABRIC
So today, close to 150 years later, the mill continues to produce this beautiful striped fabric, using the same spirit & techniques used all those years ago, & still sourcing their inspiration from the infinite richness of colours only the south of France can give.

All the cloth is woven by craftsmen from pure first quality cotton thread, & in some cases the original old world traditional looms are still used. This twined thread called "retors" in technical terms, is made of two threads rolled together to produce one final thread. This thread is used in the weft as well as in the warp which helps to give the cloth its beautiful textural effect. The natural colour of the cotton is off-white. Its coloration, specific to Les Toiles du Soleil, comes from a staining process named "grand teint". This quality of dyeing guarantees a better hold of the colours.

To View the 180cm Cottons >Click Here
To View the 180cm Acrylics >Click Here