Towards the end of the 1800s, millions of yards of roller printed cotton was being produced each year in the United States. This newly affordable and readily available cloth allowed lower and working class people to make and wear clothing made from beautiful prints for the first time. Shirtings were among the most popular printed fabrics, featuring small motifs in one or two colors on a white or off-white ground. Paula Barnes' new group reflects shirtings in the most common colors of the era, including navy, brown, blue and red.