cotton flannel?

[bennettgirl]

so i was wondering what would be good fabrics for winter day gowns? wool of course would be the the obvious answer but it is costly and velvet is to dressy for an every day gown. so i was wondering if they had cotton flannel back then and if yes if they made it into dresses? can anyone answer my question?

[dawnluckham]

Wool, silk...even linen. Consider additional warm undergarments...
Wool petticoat
Silk petticoat – silk can be surprisingly warm.
Even a silk or fine wool chemise
Additional layer of Chemisette
An unseen wool chemisette which just covers the chest and back as an additional layer.
Don’t forget you have the option of wearing a shawl or a spencer or a tippit indoors.

I have never seen a fabric similar to what we would think of as cotton flannel or flannelette used in period anything. Even for babies, flannel was wool – diaper cloth was a textured cotton fabric. But nothing like a brushed cotton.

Personally, I’d completely stay away from it for a gown, for fear I’d look like I was wearing a modern nightgown.

[amandamoose]

I wasn't really thinking of period correctness when I bought my flannel, just warmth. I bought white cotton flannel to make pantalettes I don't need to worry about what it looks like though cause it'll be hidden under everything else!

[dawnluckham]

It totally depends upon what your reasons for dressing in Regency clothing are. If you’re looking for period accuracy (if you are involved in living history, for example) then probably cotton flannel on the outside is a no-go.

If you are just dressing for fun – make yourself happy!

If you’re doing living history but want to hide some comforts underneath to keep yourself warm – as long as you are not lifting your skirts and explaining things to the public – I say go ahead! Make yourself comfortable! Whether you use “period correct” linen or modern cotton flannel for your pantalettes or your chemise – no one will know.

[bennettgirl]

thanks ladies!
I figured it want period correct. i'm not looking to make a flannel gown for myself but was rater asking for a friend who wanted a cheap alternative to wool....
oh well..