Supplies :: Fabric Tales

by Folksy Support October 2, 2010

written by Folksy Support October 2, 2010

FEATURED SUPPLIER! – Rachael Taylor Designs

As we move into autumn and thoughts turn to the changing colours of leaves, Rachael Taylor Designs nature inspired patterns will make an ideal accessory for those cooler days. Her bold designs are reminiscent of Clarissa Hulse yet truly individual. The spontaneity of her textile designs are explained in the shop description where Rachael writes that she loves to draw using either her left or right hand and sometimes even with her eyes closed! Whether using monotone colours or a fabulous mixed colour palette Rachael’s patterns are bold, bright and uplifting. It is no surprise that she has been voted ‘Happiest Person in Britain’ due to her fun and happy twitter posts in 2009. Furthermore Rachael Taylor Designs have been featured in no less than four design books this year aswell as numerous blogs. Rachael Taylor Designs are available whatever your budget as you can own one of her fantastic designs as a greetings card, an oven glove or a piece of wall art and many other options besides.

FOLKSY FINDS! Autumnal Supplies

Click the images for more details!

SEWING TIPS! – Choosing a Pattern

There are many sewing patterns available but if you are a novice sewer some may seem a little daunting. Thankfully many patterns will advise for the sewing ability required to complete the project.

I adore Amy Butler fabrics but I would not recommend that you start your sewing using one of her patterns as the amount of information given can seem daunting, however in her three sewing books she does advise clearly the ability level required for the project and there are a few for beginners.

Whilst you are still learning to sew I recommend you stick to simple patterns, for example a cushion, table runner or napkins. Cath Kidston’s Sew book has some easy patterns, including some bags that really are not too difficult. Lisa Stickley’s new book, Made at Home, also contains clear and easy instructions for many projects. Once you have mastered a few basic skills then you can add other things to your reportoire. And remember just because the sewing pattern is easy it does not mean the finished product has to look simple, embellishments can add great details or just a fabulous fabric can make a simple cushion look fantastic!

This article was written for Folksy by Zoe Grant from Folksy supply shop ‘Buttons & Bows’