On Aug 17, 10:05 pm, Mark Thorson > wrote:
> See it he
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ260150528192
>
> And is this really for pleating clothes?
> (I have an older version of this machine
> in much better condition -- almost like
> new, and I paid less than $30).
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ300140369714

A flute is a type of pleat. I think most of us fabric lovers use the
specific word, "flute," instead of "pleat," if it is truly a flute,
which is a finishing crimp.

Fortuny, the renowned designer, was famous for his fluted garments.

Yes, I believe the machine shown is truly a fluter. But to compare it
to what we think of as a pleat demonstrates that flutes are crimps in
the fabric (which may or may not double part of the fabric back on
itself, but usually not), and pleats involve doubling part of the
fabric back onto itself in order to form a pleat. Thus, a Fortuny-
fluted skirt on an evening gown could be compared and contrasted with
a standard or a school-girl's plaid pleated skirt.

N.