Telling the story

One of my favourite trade customers always talks of the "story"; we need to tell a story she says.
By this she means choosing cushions and shades which work well together and draw the customer into their grouping in order to promote a purchase or maybe more than one.

I find these stories often emerge as fabrics lie next to one another in piles in my workroom or accidentally as I place cushions in bags ready for fairs. The starting point for this story was a lovely vintage French floral with pink roses on a red ground. it looks great with cream or beige and tones with stripes as in this image

Sometimes there may be a positive/negative connection as in this group.

Finished cushions and shades sit in a muddle on the chaise longue in my workroom awaiting pricing and photography. However I decided to bring these down to my bedroom for neater shots; this little sofa is such a favourite piece. I recently made this simple loose cover from a lovely slightly crumpled linen sheet I'd bought

I often make both cushions and shades from the same fabric in case someone is looking to coordinate them in a room.

I like this "waisted" shape shade and have accentuated it with a wide striped band.

The floral panel shade is a regular favourite and I like using a toning stripe if possible.

If you see anything you like just email for individual photos

Country Chic beckons

I've returned from planet wedding (aka Harrogate) where our daughter married her lovely long term partner but I've found it hard to get back to work; daily doses of wedding photo viewing are required at regular intervals.

However this weekend sees the first of the North Yorkshire Country Chic fairs this year and so has concentrated my mind somewhat. Before we left for the wedding I had bought an enormous and expensive quantity of fabulous vintage textiles so have set to turning them, hopefully, to profit.

Some simply require washing and pressing but in the case of this lovely fine French linen sheet I am leaving well alone. There is an original label from the draper's but should the purchaser wish to use the sheet, a couple of hot washes will soften and lighten the fibres

This softly faded cotton is perfect for a cottage style lampshade

I love the strong cherry red in this ticking; in fact the fabric is so strong it would have been great for an upholstery project had there been a bigger piece. These cushions would be equally at home inside or in a conservatory or garden; we may get a summer this year!
I've been sewing so much over the last week that the sewing machine finally begged for mercy yesterday grinding to a noisy halt. After clearing the feed dog and shuttle of an enormous amount of packed in lint I took the hint and decided to sand, paint and wax instead

This small cupboard would sit neatly in a bathroom or kitchen, painted in Farrow and Ball "Old White"

I really like this bigger version with its crazed mirror glass; perhaps not the best for applying make up but very decorative.

I chickened out of using this dull pink on my stairs but the matchpot came in useful for painting the inside of the cupboard
The Country Chic fair is this Saturday and Sunday from 9.30-4.30 in Whixley village Hall. Whixley is a very pretty village situated just off the main Harrogate to York road and only a couple of miles from the A1 so hopefully it will be easily accessible for lots of you. Come along for a tempting collection of painted furniture and mirrors, vintage textiles and furnishings and jugs, china all in the shabby chic style.

I'll be taking a couple of pretty French parosols, very decorative even if the sun doesn't shine

A delightful pair of French boots

Spot the bubble trapped in this handmade glass jarwhich contained a supplement for calves; young cows that is not legs!

Nice functional piece, these filing drawers make organising more interesting
Hope to show you these and more if you get chance to come along; now back to the rejuvenated sewing machine