Becky Oldfield & Lost and Found –

Quilts are in the air these days: today it’s an inspirational look at the talents of Becky Oldfield as seen in Elle Decor’s October story on Keith Johnson’s New York City home. Oldfield designed the bed spread above, one that combines the British flag with what appears to be a sari-like brocade border. The entire piece is detailed with seed stitching in white thread. (Hard to see in this picture but the full-page view is on page 173 of the magazine if you can snag a copy). More of Oldfield’s work can be found on her website,  Lost and Found.

Antique Quilts at Ruby Lane –

Pausing for another moment on the topic of antique quilts, I’m ogling over the  selection for sale via French72 at Ruby Lane. The countless hours that went into each one of these pieces is mind-bending from the perspective of mass-consumption and these hours are not at all reflected in assigned prices (though the actual makers are at this point dead, or likely many times removed from the sale).  A graphic quilt like the one above (1920’s, $595) could transform a room, contemporary or traditional. You’d have a hard time finding a new coverlet or duvet with as much impact and lasting value.

Silk Patchwork –

– A striking silk quilt from the 1870’s, up for auction at Christie’s on September 29th. Further proof the nineteenth century is full of surprises.

Rosemary Hallgarten –

…Another wonderful textile designer to add to my ever-growing list.  I also happen to have first-hand knowledge that Rosemary is not only exceedingly talented, she’s also wonderful to work with! Plus, her company’s dedication to  social and environmental responsibility and philanthropy is both inspirational and educational.

Above, a view of her Glaze Dhurrie design.

Roberta Roller Rabbit –

RRR’s website is now up and running (or rolling I should say!) and full of great patterns and colors at prices that don’t hurt to look at, budget priorities and disposable income aside. All of her fabrics are hand block printed in India and dried in the sun.

Above, a “fish orange” quilt.

Lisa Corti –

It’s finally starting to feel a bit like summer in San Francisco but for anyone stuck for the moment with dreary weather (or a dreary schedule, or too much bad news on TV) Lisa Corti offers a perfect escape to a land of vibrant, life-affirming color.

Via Mandarine d’Italie.

Rajboori –

From Time magazine’s April 2009 review of noteworthy green design: “Richly colored bedding from Rajboori combines jacquard weaves with geometric patterns and uses an exclusively developed silk, derived via a sustainable process that leaves silkworms unharmed.”

www.rajboori.com

Designers Guild –

Designers Guild (powered by the artistic vision of Tricia Guild and known for very colorful large scale prints and a kind of hyper-stylized take on “shabby chic”) has – as I explored this evening – a very satisfying and easy to navigate website that also actually sells things on-line, a rare thing for a company primarily geared to a trade-only market. And not only do they sell things on-line, they also have sales on-line, wherein items like the above blanket are offered at considerable discount.

Anupama –

Anupama works with Indian artisans and craftsman to create a beautiful – and eclectic – line of hand-printed and hand-painted fabrics, table cloths and pillows, including some replete with meditating Buddhas.

Judy Ross Textiles, Sample Sale –

For those in New York City, Judy Ross Textiles is having a sample sale May 7th-9th.

Details: Thursday 12-7 / Friday 12-7 / Saturday 12-6. Location, 41 Union Square West #931 at 17th and Broadway (weekend entrance at 22 East 17th St.). Phone: 212 842-1705.

For those not in NYC (like myself), there’s the fantasy of going to a Judy Ross sample sale next weekend…