Sew Busy

Following on from my last post I planned to have completed the baby for my little lady, ‘Mama Rags’.  Unfortunately, recent thrilling events have conspired against me and I have only managed to progress the baby thus far.

The thrilling event that I previously alluded to was the first official sale on my Etsy shop this week.  Mere words cannot convey how completely thrilling this experience was and there is no greater compliment than someone who is willing to exchange their tax-deducted earnings for something you have thought about, designed and created.  Anyway, I am happy to report that the claret fish has been gift wrapped and will be received by a special lady this weekend for mother’s day.

In addition to this I received a telephone call with a commission for another fish.  What it is to be bombarded by discerning customers with fabulous taste.  Gosh, I am getting rather carried away with the self congratulations, must keep that in check.  The main requirement for this commission is the opulent colour scheme of gold and ivory.  However, trying to create the vision in someone else’s mind can be quite a task as I am sure we all perceive things differently and equally sure of our own impeccable sense of taste. Sometimes ideas can get lost in the translation so in order to avoid disappointment I propose to make several fish according the given criteria to show a range of possibilities and hopefully there will be at least one that suits.

For the first fish I am going to use the superb, designer, cotton velvet, ‘D’Urberville in Summer Ochre’, by Watts of Westminster.  This company was originally founded by three architects in 1874 at the same time that William Morris, arguably the most influential designer of the nineteenth century, was prevalent.

The pattern originates from 1795 and depicts a charming French pastoral scene typical of the period, commonly known as toile.  The cartouche and vignettes are shades of taupe and earthy tones, reminiscent of old maps and sepia tinted photographs, which fade to an ochre background giving an instant antique look.  I feel privileged to have a small quantity in my possession.

To fully appreciate this remarkable fabric it should be viewed as a pair of exquisite curtains that  lavishly adorn the windows of a fine home.  However, the scale of the pattern requires a room and the means of stately proportions and at £120 per meter it is, perhaps, not for those of us with a modest budget and equivalent room size.  However, I think it is possible to enjoy this fabric on a smaller scale by adding a touch of luxury with a subtle fabric sculpture to enhance your environment.  

‘D’Urberville in Summer Ochre’, by Watts of Westminster, trimmed with gold silk taffeta, glass seed beads and a range of sequins. 

Subtly fragranced with the essential oils, ylang ylang, bergamot and patchouli.

An aerial  view.

Fish number two coming soon.