• Posts Tagged ‘textiles’

    Introducing Cloth & Clover

    by  • April 26, 2013 • Shopping • 1 Comment

    Cloth & Clover are the new fabric brand on our radar thanks to a debut collection of four gorgeous designs, all printed on rustic linen in a variety of jolly spring colours from mellow pastels to rich earthy tones. The talent behind the designs is Tania McIvor who, with a background in designing home furnishings, decided to put a passion for print and textiles into action by creating her own collection.

    Reflecting Tania’s love of the English countryside the designs are all named after villages around Worcestershire where she grew up – what a lovely idea.

    Dormston is a garden inspired trailing floral; Pixley is an on-trend small scale geometric; The Littletons is a classic polka dot, that again is very on-trend for this season; and last but not least my personal favourite Peopleton, a playful figurative print of Mr Farmer and his animal friends – so cute!

    Fabrics from left, Peopleton, £68 a metre; Dormston, £68 a metre, by Cloth & Clover.

    Fabrics from left, Peopleton, £68 a metre; Dormston, £68 a metre, by Cloth & Clover.

    Cloth & Clover will be adding wallpapers and home accessories to the collection later this year, be sure to look out for them.

    The beautiful new collection by Cloth & Clover.

    The beautiful new collection by Cloth & Clover.

     

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    Quirky new textile designs

    by  • April 12, 2013 • Shopping • 0 Comments

    Good looks, with a sense of humour…what more could you ask for? I am of course referring to the quirky home textiles launched last month by Nicole Phillips England.

    Designed and created by artist Nicole Phillips, the textile collection features quirky coastal characters, culinary delights and classic botanical blooms – all printed on cushions, tea towels, aprons and other home accessories. Watch this space for the fabrics to soon be sold by the metre.

    Nicole’s trademark quirkiness is what makes this collection perfect for adding a touch of fun to the home. As someone with a penchant for Fish & Chip Fridays, I’d have to say the tea towels below are my personal favourite!

    Fish & Chips tea towels, £12 each; Blue Trailing Roses oven glove, £22; Rhubarb & Custard tea towel, £12; Crab cushion, £45, all by Nicole Phillips England.

    Fish & Chips tea towels, £12 each; Blue Trailing Roses oven glove, £22; Rhubarb & Custard tea towel, £12; Crab cushion, £45, all by Nicole Phillips England.

    A selection of cushions from top left, Geranium; Scattered Roses; Strawberries; Fish on a line; Trailing Roses, all from £25 each by Nicole Phillips.

    A selection of cushions from top left, Geranium; Scattered Roses; Strawberries; Fish on a line; Trailing Roses, all from £25 each by Nicole Phillips England.

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    Thread Drawn by Tobyboo

    by  • March 1, 2013 • Shopping • 0 Comments

    There are those that can hand draw beautiful illustrations, there are those that create wonderful things with a sewing machine, then there is Tina Crawford who cleverly combines both talents to create charming home accessories at Tobyboo.

    ‘I love free embroidery, it’s like handwriting. I literally get the fabric under the needle and ‘draw’. I love the wobbles, loose threads and accidents, to me they all add charm and originality to the illustration’– Tina Crawford

    Textile illustrator Tina has developed her unique personal style drawing freehand with a sewing machine, skillfully using the needle like a pen. She was inspired by an embroidery course, where she learned to break the rules and work more freely; the results are her whimsical designs which are transferred onto delicate china tea sets, cushions, tea towels and lampshades.

    Behind the scenes with Tobyboo. (top right)Oranges & Lemons cushion cover, £40 (bottom left) Gull 'n' Chips china jug, £30; Gull notebook, £10; Wish You Were here placemat; Wish You Were Here bag, £17, all Tobyboo.

    Behind the scenes with Tobyboo. (top right)Oranges & Lemons cushion cover, £40 (bottom left) Gull ‘n’ Chips china jug, £30; Gull notebook, £10; Wish You Were here placemat; Wish You Were Here bag, £17, all Tobyboo.

    The best thing about Tina’s creations, compared to other designs of this nature, is that her quirky illustrations are not sketched out first on paper and reproduced they are added directly onto fabric so no two pieces are the same.

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    Patterns to make you happy

    by  • February 8, 2013 • Shopping • 0 Comments

    Inject some sunshine into your home with a little help from Rachael Taylor. If you’re craving a touch of bright loveliness to counteract the grey shades of February, you’ll love this range of fun textiles and home accessories.

    With a signature style of quirky hand drawn illustrations on a bold colour palette, Rachael has created a collection that is sure to add plenty of personality to your home – with everything from tea towels and oven mitts to cushions, lampshades and statement wallpapers. These happy patterns are not restricted purely to the home, there are also phone covers and kindle cases to brighten up your everyday gadgets too.

    Rachael’s aim is ‘to help fill your life with fabulous colour, patterns and products that will put a great big smile on your face!’ I’d say mission accomplished with all of the below.

    Bright and lovely homewares all from a selection at Rachael Taylor.

    Bright and lovely homewares, Tea towels from £10 each; Oven mitts, £13; Canvas bags, from £22; Kindle cases, from £35 each, all by Rachael Taylor.

     

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    Shop of the month… Vinegar Hill

    by  • December 8, 2012 • Out and About, Shopping • 0 Comments

    There’s something about Bath… I recently revisited this historic city where once again I was in awe of its charming architecture and rich heritage, all set among rolling hills and a natural thermal spring. Surely life doesn’t get better than this?

    As I wandered around fashionable Milsom Street, I discovered Vinegar Hill, a lifestyle emporium bursting to the seams with gifts, home accessories and garden chic. From the moment you step through the door, the olive and stone hues create a calming ambience amid the bustle of eager shoppers in this popular store…

    VINEGAR HILL SHOP

    Shoppers can find something gorgeous at every turn on the beautifully stacked shelves and displays so it’s easy to imagine these treasures finding a place in your own home.

    VINEGAR HILL

    If you can tear yourself away, take time to see the city’s attractions from Bath Abbey (known as the Lantern of the West for its magnificent stained glass windows) to romantic Pulteney Bridge and the Roman Baths which lie at the heart of this world heritage site. A day may not be enough to explore all that this city has to offer in which case the Francis Hotel is perfectly placed at the heart of the city for all your adventures.

    FRANCIS HOTEL

    Read more about Bath in the January issue of Country Homes & Interiors, now on sale…

     

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    Woolly delights by Sally Nencini

    by  • November 23, 2012 • Shopping • 0 Comments

    As our thoughts turn to all things woolly for staying cosy indoors, on my shopping radar this week is Sally Nencini – a designer and maker of knitted cushions, blankets and toys. All made here in the UK using the softest lambswool, they are the perfect snuggly addition every country home needs for this time of year.

    With a background in fashion design her love for textiles, hand-worked crafts and surface pattern has evolved into this fabulous collection of tactile homewares. Having also trained as an upholsterer, Sally offers a bespoke service of hand embroidering beautiful designs onto the cushions and fabrics of vintage furniture ­– to create unique, functional works of art.

    Woolly delights by Sally Nencini.

    Woolly delights, Cushions from £40; Fairisle Dolly, £36; Blankets & Upholstery, Price on application, all by Sally Nencini.

     

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    Textiles inspired by Nature

    by  • November 16, 2012 • Shopping • 1 Comment

    It’s my penchant for colour that first drew my attention to the beautiful collection of screen-printed textiles at Abigail*Ryan.

    Design duo Abigail and Ryan Bell cleverly combine their artistic talents to create stunning homewares that bring a touch of the outdoors in. Inspired by the countryside Abigail’s illustrations are all hand-drawn from leaves, seeds and flowers. The designs are then brought to life through Ryan’s flair for colour.

    I love the hand-sewn sycamore cushions in the rich slate and pumpkin tones, which have a lovely earthen feel. The botanical ink drawing of the dahlia is my particular favourite, seen below on a tea towel in a rich raspberry – it’s sure to brighten up any country kitchen.

    Limited Edition terrace house softies, £16 each; Sycamore peg bag, £16.50; Dahlia tea-towel, £12.50; Sycamore scallop cushions, £59.50 each, all Abigail*Ryan.

    Limited Edition terrace house softies, £16 each; Sycamore peg bag, £16.50; Dahlia tea-towel, £12.50; Sycamore scallop cushions, £59.50 each, all Abigail*Ryan.

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    Shop of the Month… Kilkenny Design Centre

    by  • September 15, 2012 • Crafting, Out and About, Shopping • 0 Comments

    On a recent trip to the homeland I visited Ireland’s smallest city Kilkenny where I rediscovered the wonderful works of top Irish designers and independent craft makers at Kilkenny Design Centre.  Set in historic castle stables, alongside The National Craft Gallery, it offers a truly inspirational visit…

    Browse through original works by designers from Nicholas Mosse pottery and John Hanly blankets to glass, jewellery and knitwear – there’s also the opportunity to shop and relax in the food hall and restaurant with its tempting array of artisan food and treats.

    Kilkenny Design Centre

    Kilkenny Design Centre - John Hanley blankets

    Be sure to explore all the hidden lanes and charms of this fascinating medieval city – Kilkenny Castle is a must as is the ancient cathedral of St Canice. Make time to embrace other spirits too with a traditional music session at Kyteler’s Inn – founded in 1320 it’s now owned by a descendant of Charles Dickens! Enjoy…

    Kilkenny City Ireland

    Kilkenny City ©Fáilte Ireland

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    Artisan Designer

    by  • August 12, 2011 • Living • 2 Comments

    Our Decorating team recently visited the Vintage Exhibition at the Southbank Centre, for an afternoon of inspiration. The stand out exhibitor from the show was artisan designer Catherine Hammerton, a textiles graduate from London. Catherine’s unique range of ceramics, hand stitched textiles and screen-printed wallpapers are all designed and made by hand in the UK – giving them a delightful homespun feel. We loved the patchwork tablecloths and the Bottle Garden china collection, perfect to add a vintage touch to your kitchen or dining room.

    Collection tablecloth, from £99, Catherine Hammerton.

    Collection tablecloth, from £99, Catherine Hammerton.

    Bottle Garden muglets, £14 each; Bottle Garden cake plates, £10 each, Catherine Hammerton.

    Bottle Garden muglets, £14 each; Bottle Garden cake plates, £10 each, Catherine Hammerton.

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    Get stitching

    by  • July 20, 2011 • Crafting • 0 Comments

    Looking for an easy way to start sewing? Then try one of these simple projects shown in this great new book 1, 2, 3, Sew (£16.99 Chronicle Books).

    Written by craft blogger Ellen Luckett Baker of thelongthread.com, it takes the hard work out of learning to sew with its step-by-step approach, guiding the reader through a variety of stitching skills and techniques. Each project is grouped together under sections including ideas for organizing the home, stylish soft furnishings, and even kids creations – see below for some of my favourite craft ideas.

    1, 2, 3, Sew, by Ellen Luckett Baker, £16.99, Abrams and Chronicle Books

    1, 2, 3, Sew, by Ellen Luckett Baker, £16.99, Abrams and Chronicle Books

    Organizer projects from 1, 2, 3, Sew, by Ellen Luckett Baker, £16.99, Abrams & Chronicle Books

    Organizer projects from 1, 2, 3, Sew, by Ellen Luckett Baker, £16.99, Abrams & Chronicle Books

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