Vintage textiles ..... Upcycled, repurposed or just plain recycled

As a young child out in the shops with my mother I would reach out to stroke all kinds of textiles and more often than not be told not to touch, but I couldn't resist. I loved the feel and texture of sumptuous velvets and the delicate silks, cold crisp linens and delicate lace, bumpy wools, scratchy tweeds, shiny,  glittery metallics, gauzy floaty chiffon and stiff bouncy taffeta, even waxy bendy leather and buttery smooth suedes, the list is never ending.

As an artist I love to use many types of mediums, albeit for my art work or soft furnishings or even within costume design. I've currently emersed myself in soft furnishings. I always loved working with quilted fabrics and incorporating creative embroidery within the composition. With so much surplus embellishments to be found like buttons and labels and even stockings and suspenders there is no end to ones creative fervour. Just lately I have unearthed much of my vintage stash of antiques fabrics, laces and notions to see just what I actually have. You could say I can't see the wood for the trees.

 I have been really tough on myself and gathered many of my beloved faded floral fabrics, quilt scrap pieces and decorative quilts and taken them off to sell at vintage fairs. They have been a big hit and it's quite obvious that the army of faded pink and floral quilt lovers is as strong as ever.  I used to sell at fairs years ago but I have noticed that buyers are not really interested in the provenance of the quilts or the condition as much as they were. In fact the more worn the better as long as it’s old. 

I keep my most favourite quilt scraps and fabrics to make all sorts of items, pillows, lavender pin cushions, ornaments and bags and purses.

But even that can become overwhelming and the only solution sometimes is to make a sign. 

Country Castle

The entrance to Amberly Castle

If I ever need some inspiration for my art or design  I like to head for country homes and castles with their beautiful architecture, gardens and finery. I am  lucky that right on my doorstep I have a couple of Castles that never loose that appeal.

There is Arundel which towers over a quaint town filled with antique shops and interesting little shops and is the obvious tourist stop off but not far from there is Amberley Castle, nestled in the little village of Amberley. Amberly Castle is my favourite, only because its got a cosy feel and you can walk around the gardens and feel how it might have been to live there once upon a time. It's a hotel and the other week I visited for afternoon tea. It was a delightfully sunny warm day and the white doves and peacocks were out in force, a truly magical place.

With a croquet lawn

A lovely long driveway

The inner wall

The inner court yard

The view from a balcony on the far side of the castle

Beautiful old windows

Peacocks around the castle

Posing 

Shaking his tail feathers 

Afternoon tea - sandwiches devoured, making our way to the cakes.

In an English Country Garden

The Larmer Gardens Brocante 

My next fair is at the most stunning venue of The Larmer Tree Gardens near Salisbury in a beautiful part of the English country side in the South of England. Not only will it be a jam packed fair filled with great sellars who search out some unique Brocante gems  but the venue itself is completely magical with an open air theatre, beautiful grounds and peacocks wandering around oblivious of all. 

 

I will be bringing along my beloved vintage quilts and French linens collected over many years.

Spring bonnets and millinery are some of my favourite things.

Everything is coming up Roses

Everything is coming up Roses this season,  firstly I was totally spoilt with Roses this valentines. They were all so beautiful.

Then planning ahead for my next fair.

Opening up my cupboards and searching out stock for my next fair I realise that roses r us, they are everywhere ! 

I'm looking forward to my first fair of the season with Vintage Bazaar Events in Devizes, South England, and I will be taking along many beautiful fabrics, linens  and quilts that I have collected over the years. I particularly love roses and have a few quilts and fabrics with a rosey theme, one being this beauty.

A beautiful Welsh collectors piece, gorgeous fabric and hand quilting incorporating hearts and leaves, cross hatching and much more. Most likely a marriage quilt and a quilt that was truly cherished as it is in excellent condition.

Need to sort out some more roses.