FAQ

Do you recommend special washing instructions ? (How to take care)

Valdrome prides itself in keeping alive the Indian Tradition, with exclusive high quality pure mercerized cotton percales or batistes. The basic colors used to print our Provencal fabrics are the red which comes from the madder, the blue from the indigo plant and the yellow from various plants’ sap, all water resistant and natural color dyes.
We therefore recommend machine HOT wash from 60° to 90° C (above 140° F) for the heat enforces the colors. The hotter you will wash, the best !
Considering the quilted mats, machine wash, spin and stretch them in all directions before natural dry. Avoid tumble dryers.

Dry cleaning unsuitable !

Is ironing necessary ? (How to take care)

Boutis need no ironing.
Just don't forget to stetch them in all directions before natural drying.
Other quilted mats may be ironed... it's up to you ! Some customers don't, as they prefer the old fashion look their mats have then.

Could you tell us about Valdrome ? (History)

The workshops of the mother company settled in 1770 in Valence, a charming city laying some 120 km north of Avignon along the Rhone river and on the northern border of Provence.
In 1946, they changed their name for Valdrome, as per the name of a famous Knight who built a fortune bringing to Europe so many silk and cotton fabrics from China, India and Persia along th famous Silk Road, names Jean de Valdrome.

Valdrome products are sold throughout the world in more than 400 shops, in Austrlia as well as in the US, in Tokyo and St-Petersburg of Russia

Why do some people say "Indian fabrics of Provence" ? (History)

More than 10 centuries ago, Indian and Persian craftsmen invented how to reproduce drawings and patterns on fabrics, first using an ancient stencil technique, then using paint-coated engraved wooden panels and stamps. The secrets of these "Indiennes" (Indies' Canvaces) have been uncovered and brought back to France by world navigators such as Jean de Valdrome.
He learned how to produce these beautiful printed fabrics, shawls and scarves which, nowadays, are part of the Provence image.
The "Tissu Provencal" (provencal fabrics) first appeared around 1740. They express a union of love between the Oriental Arts, and the country and floral patterns which festively celebrate the southern France colors.

What exactly is a boutis ? (History)

Provencal Boutis is a traditional needleart technique, which has been practiced in Provence for centuries. They consists of just two layers of batiste cloth showing padded motifs.
Boutis is a Provencal word meaning " stuffing ", also given to the special needle made out of boxwood which was necessary to delicately stuff the work. No fabric cuts were made in the stuffing and cording process.
True boutis are totally rever-sible, with a transparent appearance along the stitching lines giving it a lacy look. No batting is used, instead a cotton cord is inserted in the stitched motifs and channels to achieve the raised embossed effect.

They formerly were part of the brides' dowry.
Such precious things !


Don't you think that Valdromes are a bit expensive ? (Miscelleneous)

Valdrome items are exclusively handmade in Provence under very little series.
Even some requested made-to-measure are simply "one-of-the-kind".
Valdrome offers you the exact contrary of what mass production spreads nowadays throughout the world :
high quality and utmost care !