April 1, 2011

Digging deep,


I've been asked by C&T Publishing to make 4 models from the book for the London Book Fair which is coming up very soon.  So, armed with my book (because I'd forgotten how to make them!), I made a start on a batch of Toadstools.  All the original models made for the patterns in the book use realistic colours, ie, the Toadstool is red, so I decided this time It would be interesting to have a good old root around in the bottom of my fabric box and make use of some of the ones I have, but don't often use.


I really like how this one turned out.


I also need some help.  I have an idea for some new designs and am on the hunt for some specific fabric.  What I'm after is, I suppose what you would describe as retro looking.  1950's/1960's ish, Lucienne Day in style, but I need patterns on a small scale.  I work small, so large scale prints don't work as well as small scale ones.  I've been scouring Etsy, Ebay, even Spoonflower, but have so far not found anything quite right.  Reprodepot used to have the kind of thing I'm after but their site is closed at the moment.  These days, I use so many recycled fabrics from clothing, I'm a bit out of the loop when it comes to internet fabric shopping!  If anything comes to mind, leave a link in a comment and I'll check it out.  Thanks.

17 comments:

PatchworkPottery said...

Hi Amy! Love your purple toadstool! I'm sorry I do not have any retro fabrics... I'll keep my eye out for you though! Hugs, Laurraine

x vInTaGe VioLeT x said...

ooh it does look lovely in that colour-way :)

Juliana said...

I don't knowwhere to get the retro looking fabric but if ever need anything from Brazil I will be more than happy to help :)

Toadstool is adorable!

Tiff said...

Oh how totally gorgeous! I love the colours you have chosen for these little toadstools! They are just beautiful! X

IdaDown said...

I too am a purple fan.

Helen said...

Hi - Spoonflower has some atomic era-esque designs - might be worth checking out - they do seem smaller scale than original Day/Eames versions. H x

Helen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
tinajo said...

It´s so darn cute, love it! :-)

Doda said...

Nothing exactly comes to mind, but maybe dolls house specialists would stock retro fabric in miniature size?

Scented Sweetpeas said...

Have you tried the site fabricrehab as I know they have a lot of material on there?

Betsy said...

fabric.com is having 15% off their mod/retro fabrics at the moment here is the link http://www.fabric.com/retro-and-mod-sale-retro-mod-apparel-fabrics.aspx

I just got some retro Jennifer Paganeli and Kaffe Fassette for summer dresses.
Oh, I ordered your book off of Amazon, It arrived the next day! It is super gorgeous , All the photos are beautiful with lots of texture. I haven't had a chance to go through and find something to make yet but the Fox is a defiante project. I will be leaving a five star review in the near future... I am so glad to see crafters branching out and combining textiles!

Anonymous said...

I looove toadstools..

and was about to make my own until I saw your post..

I do have some of the old fabric you are after - I think of it as "atomic" style and it's original.

I'll have a look to see i the print is small enough - I know what you mean about small scale.o

monda-loves said...

I think you can order fabrics from spoonflower in smaller design sizes than the ones shown - at least when I upload my fabric designs I have the option to make the pattern smaller.

If you can't find what you are looking for I can lend a hand with the designing bit for you.

Quietly Otaku said...

I really like the lavender colour for this its really cute even though its not a natural colour for a toadstool. It has a real softness to it which is really attractive. Lovely.

abritinspain said...

Your website is lovely. I am mad on making my own jewellery. See my jewellery and blog at www.handmade-jewellery-online.com

Unknown said...

Looking suppliers & exporters for your craft business. Then go with this free b2b marketplace.

SEWa said...

looks like real :) great :)