Challis

shal'ly, a soft, fine, thin dress fabric of wool, wool and silk, or wool and cotton. The original challis was made at Norwich, England, in 1832. It was of silk and wool, and was of a superior quality, the special characteristics being lightness, pliability, and dull finish. Challis is made in plain colors or figured. The patterns are copied usually from French silk. They are tasteful and often artistic. They are produced in the loom or are printed. Cotton challis is one of the cheapest prints made. It is, however, soft, durable, and attractive in coloring. It is used largely for bed comforts, draperies, house gowns, dressing sacques, etc. All wool challis is quite similar to old-fashioned muslin-delaine. It is not crumpled easily, and is desirable where light weight, dainty coloring, and graceful draping are required. See Delaine