Outback Wife Barkcloth 2018 Christine Lavender

Cathi Bessell-Browne, farmers wife and the hands and heart behind Gertrude Made, continues her ode to the strength, passion and courage of rural women across Australia with another stunning Outback Wife collection. This slow fabric collection has been meticulously and sincerely considered to give the range meaning and an authentic vintage voice. This year, the exquisite hand-painted designs are woven with the stories of seven rural women from the station country of the Gascoyne Region in Western Australias north-west.

Barkcloth is one of the oldest known fabrics and was originally made by soaking the inner bark of trees until they were able to be beaten together to form a sheet. Over time, barkcloth evolved to be made of mostly cotton instead of tree fibers but the cotton is woven in a way to still resemble the rough texture of old barkcloth. This newer version was typically used in home furnishings, such as curtains, drapery, upholstery, and slipcovers, but has also been used to make dresses and accessories.

It is 100% cotton barkcloth. 59/60 (150cm) wide

Care Instructions: To increase the longevity of your fabrics, hand-wash, or wash on a gentle cycle in cold water with like colors using a fragrance free, non-chlorinated detergent. Dry your fabric on a low/ medium cycle or line-dry.