Replies

1. 
   ehBeth | Nov 06, 2004 03:31am | #1

   Theodora, can you be a bit more specific? In the part of Germany I come from, Loden is a colour, not a fabric.  There is an Austrian goatblenc wool which is most often associated with the colour. Is that what you are looking for?

1. 
   Theodora | Nov 06, 2004 09:31am | #2

   The wool I am thinking of is a rather coarse, thick wool, or wool blend that is used for outerwear. It's quite water-resistant, and yes, I am seeking cloth in that particular color. Yes, I'm aware that sometimes the word loden is used simply to designate a color. But I also thought it was a specific type of woven wool. Perhaps it's the Austrian fabric you are referring to.

   Here is one definition I found on the 'Net:

   "Loden cloth. The fabric for coats.

   Loden cloth is a carded woollen cloth which, in a process known as fulling, is condensed and napped once more to make it a warm and extremely hard-wearing fabric. The famous coat fabric comes in a variety of finishes ranging from coarse to fine. The finest of them all are »double face loden« from loden manufacturer Leichtfried, and »fine loden« from Steiner, both in Austria. The only thing the cloth now has in common with the work clothing of huntsmen and farmers is the typical loden weather resistance resulting from an additional treatment process. After the fulling process in which the napping is done with real thistles, the erect fibres and hairs of this carded woollen cloth are overlapped, like roof tiles, making this top quality loden cloth extremely wind-proof and water-repellent. Unlike synthetic weatherproof fabrics, however, the loden fabric also remains breathable - warm in winter, cool in summer. This coat is made for us from loden fabric by Schneiders of Salzburg - Europe's top tailors." from http://www.manufactum.co.uk/product/838588/group/174178/dmc_mb3_productlist_pi1.12982.

   page/1/dmc_mb3_productlist_pi1.12982.num/8/Product_Details.2700.0.html

   Essentially, I want to make myself a version of this coat. I had one once years ago, and was incredibly fond of it:

   http://www.born-for-loden.co.uk/coats.html

1. 
   luv_2_sew | Nov 16, 2004 02:42am | #3

   I always thought loden cloth was another name for boiled wool - check this out http://www.tex-styles.com/boiled_wool.htm

   This fabric matches your description: warm; water resistant and breathable. Lovely to sew with and to wear.

1. 
   Theodora | Nov 16, 2004 06:38am | #4

   Oh, I adore boiled wool, too!

   Loden however is a bit different, it is a woven, as opposed to a knit. Similar properties, however. Less drape, though.

1. 
   ehBeth | Nov 17, 2004 05:49am | #5

   I'm so sorry I didn't get back to this. I did manage to find a source a while back, and emailed myself the link. I'll try to track it down (crossing fingers that I didn't delete it!). Boiled wool is quite interesting in its own right. There's a fascinating display on the history of boiled wool in one of our local museums. Well, it's not just on boiled wool - but the display area related to boiled wool is particularly interesting. The area on felting is also quite interesting.

2. 
   anneelsberry | Nov 17, 2004 11:19pm | #6

   Don't have an answer, but I do remember being able to buy it at a fabric store in Bavaria that specialized in fabric for "trachten" -- traditional clothing like dirndls and such.  Might do a search on "trachten."