FAQ

Care

Textiles both old and new should be treated with care. Please use a reputable dry cleaner for all new textile products. Antique textiles should preferably be washed gently by hand using a mild detergent. The chemicals in dry-cleaning can degrade older fabrics. As always, feel free to contact us at hello@camelandgrey.com for more guidance.

What is a “document”?

Document is a term used to describe an original textile design or fragment. Modern textile companies often purchase documents to interpret into new designs for manufacturing. The colors may be tweaked, pattern repeats changed into more user-friendly scale etc.

Vintage, Antique and New

Textiles more than 100 years old are defined as “antique.” We describe pre-1900 goods as antique and 1900-1970s as vintage. Where possible, the actual year of manufacture is provided.

While we love using original documents, there is plenty of provenance in modern fabrics too. We also use textiles from luxury textile producers that reference an antique document or patterns that have a history of their own.

Where do the textiles come from?

We have a network of dealers, pickers and craftspeople all over the world supplying us with products. In addition, we source new product from the very best U.S. and European mills. Regardless of where our textiles come from, they must be made using authentic methods, with the best raw materials and have a compelling story. We only purchase fair trade products, and prefer programs that help those at risk earn a fair wage or whose purpose is to keep the craft flourishing.

Where are the pillows made? 

In using so many limited, one of a kind fabrics, close collaboration in manufacturing is key. All pillows are designed in our Pennsylvania studio and sewn by local workshops.

Living With Antique Textiles

The textiles we use are vetted for overall condition. To make sure we get the very best finished product, many are interfaced and/or lined for added strength. Delicate items like embroideries and antique trims should be used with care around children and pets. Velvets, linens and cotton prints are great on the family room sofa, fine silks and 18^th century embroideries, not so much. Please feel free to contact us anytime if you’re unsure of the right product for your situation.

All antique and vintage fabrics are carefully cleaned before going to the workroom. Even so, you may see some small spots, or the pillow may have a slight odor. In most cases any odor is the down fill or dyestuffs that were used. New fabrics have distinctive smells from production as well. These all dissipate over time.

Can I get this item in a different size? Different trim?

Most of the pieces we work with are very limited. The best use of the pattern and details is determined at design and production. You’ll see that not all pillows have welt or the same fabric front and back. Sometimes this is a design decision; sometimes there just isn’t enough fabric for both.

Telling the Story

Each pillow comes with its unique provenance printed for you to keep.   We like to tuck ours inside the pillow for quick reference when someone asks, and they will!