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Vintage and Antique Ribbon & Seam Binding
You can click the small photos for a larger view. Please let me know if you have any questions.
There are two sections on this page:
silk ribbon more ribbons
Wide antique / vintage ribbons have moved to their own page.
Swatches
Swatches are available for most trims, just ask.
Also be sure to check out these pages for more antique ribbons & seam bindings:
antique & vintage SILK ribbons & seam binding
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White All Silk Taffeta Ribbon
The label on this silk taffeta ribbon reads, "1900. 5 1/4 Lignes. All Silk Taffeta Ribbon. Guranteed Pure Dye." It's stamped 8 yards.
This is a completely full spool, containing all 8 yards. It is 1/2" inch wide. The spool is wood, and the labels on both sides are nearly intact. Very, very hard to find examples like this.
Some small pin holes where the manufacturer secured it with a tiny pin.
$42 for all.
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Mauve All Silk Taffeta Ribbon
The label on this silk taffeta ribbon reads, "1900. 5 1/4 Lignes. All Silk Taffeta Ribbon. Guranteed Pure Dye." It bears an old price sticker from B. Altman Co. of New York.
The ribbon is still on the paper spool, which originally held 7 yards. Six yards, 9 inches remain on the spool. It's 1/2" inch wide.
There is a factory join - with a small pin - 3 yard, 12 inches from one end, and some pin holes where the original owner secured it.
$27 for all.
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Claret Silk Binding Ribbon
This claret red is made of silk, and is on the original paper spool. It's half an inch wide, and measures 1 yard, 16 inches in length.
A few pinholes /bumps where the original owner secured it with a straight pin, else in fine condition.
$8.00 for all.
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Pine Tree Conqueror Deep Red Silk Ribbon
This beautiful, deep red silk ribbon is 7/8" inch wide. It's "Conqueror" brand, made by Pine Tree Silk Mills of Philadelphia.
Still on its paper spool, with especially beautiful labels, there are 9 yards, 7 inches on the spool.
A few pinholes where the original owner secured the end with a straight pin, else in fine condition.
You may purchase by the yard ($8), or the full 9-yard spool ($69).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (9 available): | | Purchase the spool. (1 available):
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Silver Girl Black Silk Taffeta Ribbon
This is a thin black silk taffeta, on the original spool, dating probably from circa. 1920s. It's still on the paper spool, and is 1/2 inch wide.
Some pinholes where the original owner secured the end with a straight pin, else in fine condition. There is a factory join (with a pin) at 4 yard, 25 inch point. This is a nearly-full spool, containing 5 yards, 24 inches of the original 7 yards.
Available at $5 per yard, or $22 for all.
| Purchase 1-yard lengths: | | Purchase the full card. (1 available):
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 | Sultana Silk Taffeta Ribbon, Green
Beautiful, rather heavy, rich dark green silk taffeta ribbon, 1 1/2" inches wide. It measures 38 7/8" inches in length.
Some condition issues: At some point the paper spool was subjected to moisture; this may have caused the slight variations in color on the ribbon. There are also some pinholes where the original owner secured the ribbon with a straight pin. Despite some flaws a very usuable piece - and with a very cool label on the spool!
$10 for all.
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1900 Mauve Taffeta Silk Ribbon
The label on this silk taffeta ribbon reads, "Art. 1900. 5 1/4 Lignes. All Silk Taffeta Ribbon. Warranted." It is still on the wooden spool, which originally held 9 yards.
There are 5 yards, 7 inches, and it is 1/2" wide.
There are pin holes and bumps where the original owner secured it with a pin.
$27 for all.
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1900 Green Taffeta Silk Ribbon
The label on this silk taffeta ribbon reads, "Art. 1900. 5 1/4 Lignes. All Silk Taffeta Ribbon. Warranted." It is still on the wooden spool, which originally held 9 yards.
There are 4 yards, 8 inches, and it is 1/2" wide.
Unused, still on the spool. There are a few pin holes where the original owner secured it with a pin. In lovely condition; very usable.
$25 for all.
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Tasca Rust Taffeta Silk Ribbon
The label on this silk taffeta ribbon reads, "Tasca All Silk Taffetta. 5 1/4 Lignes. Best Quality." It is still on the wooden spool, which originally held 8 metres.
The ribbon is a delicious, rich, coppery rust brown. There are 7 yards and it is 1/2" wide.
Unused, still on the spool. There are a few pin holes where the original owner secured it with a pin. As always, feel free to ask for a swatch.
$37 for all.
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Charcoal Taffeta Seam Binding
Here is some silk taffeta seam binding - ribbon - still on the original paper roll. It's a charcoal grey color, with a hint of blue. There's 1 yard, 21 inches, and it is 1/2" wide.
In good condition. There are pin holes /bumps where the original owner secured it with a pin.
$6 for all.
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Silver ZigZag Silk Ribbon
Ah...silver & white, one hundred percent silk, in a luxurious 9/16" wide ribbon. White and silver create a zig zag effect.
High quality, it is still on the original spool, which originally held 10 yards. Made in the USA." Though marked "all silk" it is actually a combination of silk & metallic threads.
There are a few spots of discoloration on the last couple feet, a few small pin holes where the first owner secured the ribbon with a pin, and several weaving irregularities. However, they are minor and this gorgeous, unused, shimmering ribbon is ready for your special project.
Both sides are usable - one side predominantly silver (metallic), the other with more white.
The spool contains 8 yards. Purchase at $12/yard, or buy the entire spool for $85.
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (9 available): | | Purchase the full 8-yard spool. (1 available): |
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Mixed Berry Silk Moire Ribbon
The label on this antique moire ribbon reads, "All Silk - Pat. 1014." It is still on the paper spool, with the label on one side intact.
It is a gorgeous blueberry-colored moire, accented with raspberry and a geometric design at edge. Really unusual.
Unfortunately this ribbon has some real condition issues. The spool got damp at one point, and the colors transferred to the paper liner, and ran a bit, blurring the lines between colors on the ribbon. While pin holes made with a pin that secured the ribbon on the spool are usually inconspicuous, this is not the case with this ribbon; the pin holes are quite obvious.
This is in lesser condition than I'm usually willing to sell, but the 2-color silk moire ribbon is so lovely, I offer it here anyway at a reduced price. There is still plenty of usable ribbon here, if you are willing to work with ribbon that is not pristine. It has its own charm.
The ribbon is in two pieces, 3 yards, 29 inches, and 1 yard, 4 inches, for a total of 4 yards, 33 inches. On the original spool with paper liner, and 15/16" inch wide.
$34 for all.
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Pelgram & Meyer Ornate Silk Ribbon
Very, very old silk ribbon made by Pelgram & Meyer. The company opened in 1870 in Paterson, New Jersey, and specialized in silk fabrics, with ribbons a particular specialty. They were a pioneer in the field of jacquard weaving.
This is a marvelous example of P&M's artistry in creating silk ribbon. It is luxurious in the hand, very finely woven. The grey background is festooned with medallions of deep red, blue, black, & silver, which are outlined in gold. These medallions alternate between those which are predominantly red in design, and those which are predominantly blue. Please click the photo at left to see this exquisite design in detail.
This is an usused, full 10-yard spool; the ribbon is 1" inch wide. Condition is excellent, with no defects noted.
Available by the yard ($40), or by the full spool ($390).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (10 available): | | Purchase the full 10-yard spool. (1 available): |
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more vintage & antique ribbons
 | Dow & Kletz Taupe & Goldtone Ribbon
So beautiful! This satiny taupe ribbon is woven with gold-tone metal threads, which create picots. Very luxe!
In its original condition, still on its spool, which originally held 10 yards. When measuring I saw a few weaving irregularities, and a few bent picots. In lovely condition, and ready to enhance your special project. Width varies just a little (due to slighly variable width of picots); overall width is 7/16" - 1/2" inch wide.
The ribbon was made by Dow & Kletz Millinery. I could find no information on this company via a web search. Though lacking the Dow & Kletz logo label, it was made by them; see the black version of this ribbon below, for a photo of the Dow & Kletz Art Nouveau logo.
I should mention that the reverse side is gorgous, too - goldtone threads shimmer. Please click the photo at left for a full-size view.
The spool contains 8 yards, 24 inches. Purchase at $10/yard, or buy the entire spool for $72.
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (8 available): | | Purchase the full 8 yard, 24 inch spool. (1 available): |
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Dow & Kletz Black & Silver Ribbon
So beautiful! This satiny black ribbon is woven with silver-tone metal threads, which create picots. It is such a luxurious ribbon ~
In its original condition, still on its spool, which originally held 10 yards. When measuring I saw several noticeable weaving irregularities, and a number of the picots are folded or bent. Despite a few manufacturer flaws, this gorgeous, unused, shimmering ribbon is ready for your special project.
The ribbon was made by Dow & Kletz Millinery. I could find no information on this company via a web search, but the logo on the spool is Art Nouveau.
I should mention that the reverse side is gorgous, too - silver threads make it shimmer - and when you hold the ribbon up to the light and view the front, you can see those ribbons shine through a bit. Very special. Please click the photo at left for a full-size view. Width varies just a little (due to slighly variable width of picots); overall width is 6/16" - 7/16" inch wide.
The spool contains 9 yards. Purchase at $10/yard, or buy the entire spool for $75.
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (9 available): | | Purchase the full 9-yard spool. (1 available): |
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Shades of Blue Ruched Ribbon
This very vintage ribbon is very unusual; it is three shades of blue, - sky, sea & midnight - which has been ruched to create a ruffle. Fabric content is unknown, but I think rayon.
I noticed one small nick in one edge, which is well-disguised by the ruffle, else in excellent, unused condition. Measures 2 yards, 7 inches in length, and approximately 5/8" wide. $12 for all.
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Gold Metallic Ribbon
Breathtakingly beautiful gold metallic ribbon, measuring 7/8" inch wide. It is soft and feels just wonderful in the hand. Has a great, slightly wavy, ripply texture...perfect for your special project.
There are 12 yards available. As always, click the small photo at left for a larger view. $7/yard.
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Pink Dresden Rose Taffeta Rayon Moire Ribbon
This is a spool of the most beautiful Dresden print taffeta ribbon. Made in the USA, it measures a big 1 9/16" inches wide. Roses in pink with highlights of gold, and smaller roses in blue, cascade down this pretty pink moire ribbon. Very, very beautiful.
There are 9 yards available. As always, click the small photo at left for a larger view. Just $9/yard.
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Swiss Floral Rayon Ribbon
This ribbon was made a long time ago in Switzerland. It has bright pink flowers with green leaves, edged in pink on a white background. It is so pretty!
On the original paper spool, with some of the paper lining remaining. It is half an inch wide.
We have 4 yards, 30 inches available. Purchase by the yard ($7.00) or by the full spool ($32).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (4 available): | | Purchase the 4 yard, 30 inch spool. (1 available): |
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French Multicolor Stripe Ribbon
A French ribbon,
measuring approximately 1 3/8" inches wide. It has stripes of varying widths, in cream, black, red, blue, yellow and lime green. The colors are saturated and very striking. .
On the original paper-lined spool, made in France. There's no fabric content noted, but I think it's rayon. As is usual, there are a few pinholes, else in fine condition, ready for your special project.
9 yards available, at $8.00 per yard.
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Grey Grosgrain with Red & Grey Stripes
This is an very, very unusual ribbon. It is a fine grey grosgrain, which has two ribbons of red and black stitched down the center. What makes it particulary unusual is that the center stripes are actually a very, very thin plastic. I have not been able to defnitively identify the type of plastic, but it may be celluloid. The ribbon is quite flexible. This is the most amazing ribbon - I've never seen anything like it before. (I was fortunate enough to purchase another along with this one; see below for another width/color scheme.)
The ribbon is on its original paper-lined spool, made in France a very long time ago. There's no fabric content noted, but I think the grosgrain is rayon. As is usual, there are a few pinholes, else in fine condition, as new. It's approximately 3/4" inch wide.
Age is unknown, but the spool is obviously quite old, and the ribbon has a very Art Deco feeling to it.
9 yards available, at $15.00 per yard.
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Deep Brown Grosgrain with Red, White and Gold Stripes
This fantastic ribbon is a fine, dark chocolate brown grosgrain, which has four ribbons of red, white, and gold stitched down the center. What makes it particulary unusual is that the center stripes are actually a very, very thin plastic. I have not been able to defnitively identify the type of plastic, but it may be celluloid. The ribbon is quite flexible.
This is incredibly unusual ribbon; I've never come across another example before. (I was fortunate enough to purchase another along with this one; see above for another width/color scheme.)
The ribbon is on its original paper-lined spool, made in France a very long time ago. There's no fabric content noted, but I think the grosgrain is rayon. As is usual, there are a few pinholes, else in fine condition, as new. It's approximately 1 3/8" inches wide.
Age is unknown, but the spool is obviously quite old, and the ribbon has a very Art Deco feeling to it.
9 yards available, at $18.00 per yard.
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Fleischer's Hunter Green Seam Binding
This deep green rayon seam binding was made early in the 20th century by Fleischer's of Cincinnati, Ohio.
On the original paper spool, which contains most of the original 100 yards of seam binding. The binding measures 1/2 inch wide.
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Lavendar Rayon Ribbon
This is a very beautiful vintage rayon ribbon, with a picot edge. The color is a strong lavendar. It's 7/`16" inch wide. The fabric is very soft and has a lovely sheen.
On the original paper spool, with some of the paper lining remaining. Due to the fabric used & weaving technique, it's very soft and a little "fuzzy" at the edges.
We have 9 yards available. Purchase by the yard ($6.00) or by the full spool ($52).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (4 available): | | Purchase the full 9-yard spool. (1 available): |
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Violet Rayon Ribbon
This is a beautiful vintage rayon ribbon, with a picot edge. The color is a rich violet purple. It measures approximately 3/8" inch wide. The fabric is very soft and has a lovely sheen.
On the original paper spool, with some of the paper lining remaining. Due to the fabric used & weaving technique, it's very soft and a little "fuzzy" at the edges.
We have 9 yards available. Purchase by the yard ($6.00) or by the full spool ($52).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (4 available): | | Purchase the full 9-yard spool. (1 available): |
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Blue Stripe & Daisy Ribbon
This gorgeous ribbon was made by G.N. & Co. of Buffalo, New York, many years ago. It's a silvery white, with a blue stripe at bottom, and a yellow daisy with green foliage. Very sweet, and cheerful. No fabric content noted on the spool - as was usual back then - but I believe it is rayon.
There are 3 yards, 15 inches on the spool, and it's 1 1/8" inch in width. In lovely condition.
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Four Color Stripe Ribbon
This unusual rayon ribbon is in four colors. They are a darkish purple, red, orange, and purplish blue; a very narrow grey stripe runs down the center. It's 11/16" inch in width, and measures 4 yards, 6 inches in length.
The colors are very muted, desaturated, and has a somewhat faded appearance. However, I believe it was made this way, as the color is quite consistent throughout. The spool does show some dampstaining but the ribbon shows no evidence of water damage. There are a few pin holes where the original owner secured it with a pin.
Available by the yard at $8, or $30 for all.
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (4 available): | | Purchase the full 4-yard spool. (1 available): |
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Beacon Brown Rayon Seam Binding
This is a spool of milk-chocolate brown rayon tafffeta seam binding, approximately 1/2" wide. In two pieces on the roll: 1 yard, 3 inches, and 1 yard, 7 inches for a total of 2 yards, 10 inches.
Some pinholes where the original owner secured it with a pin, else in lovely condition.
Probably from the 30s or 40s. Entire spool is yours for $8.00.
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Indies Rust Rayon Ribbon
This beautifully rich color is called "Indies Rust." The original spool contains 3 yards, 24 inches.
Several pin holes / little bumps where the original owner secured it with a pin, else in fine condition.
It's 1/2" inch wide. $15 for all.
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 | Blue & Gold Metallic Ribbon
This stunning ribbon is 5/16" inch wide, and still on the original paper spool. It is a royal blue, edged in gold. The fabric content isn't noted on the spool, but I think it it probably rayon - possibly silk - woven with the metal.
A few pinholes & dark marks where it was secured with a pin, and one foot of the ribbon is a bit darkened, else in fine condition.
Available by the full 10-yard spool ($90), or by the yard ($10).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (10 available): | | Purchase the full 10-yard spool. (1 available): |
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Blue, Yellow & Black Picot-Edge Ribbon
This unusual ribbon has a diagonally-ribbed design in yellow and light blue running down the center of this chocolate brown-edged ribbon. At the bottom edge is a blue picot. It has a luxurious sheen and feels wonderful in the hand.
Still on the paper spool, the original price sticker from J.W. Robinson & Co. shows this originally sold for 10c per bolt. This gorgeous ribbon was made in France. Probably dates to the 1920s.
Measuring about 5/8" wide including picot edge, or 1/4" not including it.
There are 6 yards, 28 inches on the spool. Available for $13/yard, or $79 for all.
| Purchase 1-yard lengths: | | Purchase the full spool. (1 available):
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Nine Fifty Satin Taffeta Rayon Ribbon
This is a spool of white rayon satin taffeta ribbon, measuring approximately 5/8" inch wide, and 7 yards, 24 inches in length.
Multiple pinholes throughout about first yard. Still on the original spool, it is as new. It feels wonderful to the touch.
Probably from the 30s or 40s. Entire spool for $29
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Windsor Red Satin Taffeta Rayon Ribbon
This is a spool of bright red rayon satin taffeta ribbon. It measures a skinny 3/16" inch wide.
Several pin holes where the original owner (or manufacturer?) secured it with a pin; these are only apparent upon close inspection. In excellent condition. Still on the original spool with old price tag from "The Denver."
No date, but the design of the label leads me to believe it's from the 1920s. It measures 4 yards, 17 inches; $21 for all.
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Windsor White Satin Taffeta Rayon Ribbon
This is a full 10-yard spool of white rayon satin taffeta ribbon. It measures 5/16" inch wide.
Several pin holes where the original owner (or manufacturer?) secured it with a pin; these are only apparent upon close inspection. In excellent condition. Still on the original spool, it is as new.
No date, but the design of the label leads me to believe it's from the 1920s. $47 for all.
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Windsor Midnight Satin Taffeta Rayon Ribbon
This is a full 10-yard spool of rayon satin taffeta ribbon. It measures 5/16" inch wide. The color is marked on the spool as "black" but I'd call it a very deep bluish-black.
Several tiny pin holes where the original owner (or manufacturer?) secured it with a pin; these are only apparent upon close inspection. In excellent condition. Still on the original spool, it is as new.
No date, but the design of the label leads me to believe it's from the 1920s. Four spools available, at $45 each.
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Moonlit Night - Gold Black & Metallic Ribbon
Very unusual: golden moon & stars parade down a black ribbon with metallic loops at edge. Still on the original spool, and, like many of the other ribbons on this page, over 100 years old.
Several pin holes where the original owner secured it with a pin; these are only apparent upon close inspection. In excellent condition.
3 yards, 20" inches in length; $62 for all.
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Stagelight Ribbon
There's no label on this spool; its origin is a mystery. So, we gave it a nickname. What we do know is it dates from the very early 20th century, and it has quite an ornate design.
This is a very fine jacquard, featuring a geometric star / diamond design in gold, black and red on a tan background. It is on the original wooden / paper spool.
There is wear to the first foot of the ribbon. At some point a bit of blue from fabric it was stored next to transferred to a few inches of the edge of this trim. The golds in this ribbon have also darkened in spots. There's still plenty to work with here, and it is such a gorgeous design. As always, please click the small photo at left to see enlarged views.
3 yards, 24 inches in length; $25 for all.
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Nouveaute Chocolate Brown & Gold Braid / Gimp Ribbon
Nouveauté Ribbon which was made by the L & S Co. long ago. It's still on its original spool, though the label has mostly vanished with time.
This exquisite braid is a deep chocolate brown, with gold metallic threads which create a fringe. Seven-sixteenths of an inch wide (1/4" not counting the fringe). Very rich looking, and very hard to find.
Unused & in excellent condition. A few spots show small weaving inconsistencies and in just a few spots the gold thread has tarnished. Overall in excellent, bright condition. Ready for your restoration or costuming use. Feels absolutely wonderful; it is the feel of quality.
8 yards in length. Available by the yard ($15) or by the 8-yard spool ($97).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (8 available): | | Purchase the 8-yard spool. (1 available): |
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Fisk Blue & Silver Braid / Gimp Ribbon
This ribbon was made by Fisk. It is the same design as the Nouveaute trim listed above, but offered by a different manufacturer. It's still on its original spool.
This exquisite braid is a dark blue, with silver metallic threads which create a fringe. Half an inch wide (5/16" not counting the fringe). Very rich looking, it has a weight to it that feels wonderful in the hand.
Unused & in very good condition. The silver shows some tarnish in places but it does not detract from the beauty of this ribbon. This high-quality ribbon is ready for your restoration or costuming use.
9 yards, 4 inches in length. Available by the yard ($15) or by the 9-yard spool ($97).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (8 available): | | Purchase the 8-yard spool. (1 available): |
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Slinky Pink Nouveaute Metallic Ribbon Trim
Nouveauté Ribbon which was made by the L & S Co. long ago. It's still on the spool, which originally held 10 yards. Most of it is still present; there are 9 yards here.
This unusual ribbon is a muted dusty pink or mauve, edged in metallic threads. It's a tiny 1/4" inch wide. The pink is woven in a deeply textured pattern. Just exquisite.
As I carefully unrolled this ribbon to measure its length, I noticed a large weaving flub about 40" from the end that's attached to the roll. It affects about 2 inches. The threads apparently got jammed up when the loom got to that part; you will want to work around it. There are also a few spots where there were minor weaving inconsistencies. They may not bother you but I do like to mention everything I see.
Unused, and ready for your costume, doll, or restoration projects.
7 yards in length. Available by the yard ($12) or by the 7-yard spool ($62).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (7 available): | | Purchase the 7-yard spool. (1 available): |
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Tie-Up Pale Blue & Sheer Stripe Ribbon
Here is an old, old ribbon made by E&HL. It's called "Tie-Up"and is pale blue in color. The blue alternates with sheer to create a striped effect. Very delicate.
The fabric content isn't noted but I think it's acetate. It is on the original spool; there are 4 yards.
Unused & in good condition. There are a few pin holes where the original owner secured it with a pin.
It's 3/8" inch wide. 4 yards.
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Century Yellow & White Stripe Seersucker Ribbon
Oh, this is such a pretty ribbon for summer! Measuring 1 inch wide, smooth white stripes alternate with ribbed lemon-yellow stripes.
This ribbon is a blend of 81% acetate, and 19% rayon. It has a wonderful, soft feel. The spool's label notes that it's washable.
Unused & in good condition, on the original spool, it's 8 1/2 yards in length. There are a few pin holes where the original owner secured it with a pin.
Available by the yard (6.50) or by the spool ($48).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (8 available): | | Purchase the spool. (1 available): |
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Century Black & White Stripe Seersucker Ribbon
Here's a bold one. Measuring 1 inch wide, smooth white stripes alternate with ribbed black stripes.
This ribbon is a blend of 81% acetate, and 19% rayon. It has a wonderful, soft feel. The spool's label notes that it's washable.
Unused & in good condition, on the original spool, it's 6 yards, 32 inches in length. There are a few pin holes where the original owner secured it with a pin.
Available by the yard (6.50) or by the spool ($35).
| Purchase 1-yard lengths (6 available): | | Purchase the spool. (1 available): |
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