Textile heaven. A story of a grand picking adventure.
/I get involved in a lot of strange trips in my quest to collect, save and bring forth great vintage pieces to the masses. I am in many homes as well, often after owners pass on or move to retirement homes. The families are cleaning out so they can unload the real estate and cash in on their inheritance or have the funds to pay for the nursing home, etc. I was invited to shop at the estate of a prominent interior decorator who, at one time, hosted a work room full of sewers to make decorating dreams come true. The byproduct of this business, which may be a hazard for any of us creatives, is collecting hoards and hoards of fabrics. Bolts upon bolts. From velvet to chintz, there are 60 years of textile history in one building from all the top mills in the finest weaves. It truly is a textile heaven and I got to shop in it!
Nestled in a crook of a Creek bed that formerly worked a mill from the looks of a neighboring converted building, this opulent stone manor had all the makings of luxury. A ballroom with a ceiling so high and equally magnificent windows, a traditional library with beautiful dark wood built in casework and an elusive back staircase. Many little nooks, alcoves and rooms to explore. Traditional craftsmanship that had seen better days but is salvageable with the right financial backer. The times have changed and the sewing machines are no longer humming, but the notes and work orders still hung and there were even bolts out on the work tables. Everything is as it was. A time capsule of a career and a working business. It was chilly exploring on this cold winter day and as we all know, massive homes cost massive money to heat, so minimal energy was being pumped to keep things from freezing up but not enough to keep you from shivering.
The Ballroom.
BALLROOM front WINDOWS.
BaCk stairwell in the library.
The library stored quite a few large couches in need of restoration. I plucked that cobalT bolt in the back On a second look through this room.
I walked from room to room and made my way through the small paths. It was hard to see in the dim lighting. I had many questions. The first of which is why???? Why so much inventory? I can understand scraps and remnants but massive quantities of to the trade fabrics? It definitely was not ‘lean manufacturing’. There were several upholstered antiques around the house and I recognized the fabrics from a bolt I saw somewhere prior. The son told me that the sewers never went without work, even in the slow periods. They were kept busy and the furnishings I found were definitely redone by the team. Lots of chintz and treated fabrics, not something I’d choose for my pieces but respectable to say the least. If I was lucky, I found some info on the selvage. My tour guide of sorts, studied textiles and is very knowledgeable so shared some tips on what I was looking at. All of these fabrics were European made and top quality. Many of the ones I chose were even hand woven. Picky about smells, I did note that there was not much lingering odor in the bolts I chose which is pretty amazing in that kind of environment that definitely had some moisture issues, the kiss of death for fresh smelling textiles. If you have been following me a while, you may remember my secret for dealing with smells is white vinegar! Spraying that and airing in the sun does wonders. These upholstery fabrics can’t just be washed, by the way. Many are wool and some of my early Knoll fabrics even have asbestos in them! Without a positive ID and a record of content, one can only guess at doing the right thing to care for them. Even today, most upholstery fabrics are not meant to wash. Even the linens I buy from Schumacher are dry clean only so I would expect nothing less from the ones here. Respect them and spot clean, but never toss in the washer.
The woRk room is up a haLf flight of stairs from the 2nd floor. It is DIRECTLY over thr ballroom and equally as impressive. I plucked a yellow velvet remnant off this table. Enough for A small project.
I know you want to see my picks! I managed to find some great examples of bohemian joy and a few nice linens. I had to buy complete rolls so I have from 10-20 yards of some of this. I am offering by the yard in my Etsy now on some of the bigger rolls. I do have GRAND plans of turning some of this into finished goods for my inventory. But for the DIY crowd, come shop now before I use on something else! I will be returning, that said, let me know what kind of fabrics you want me to hunt for. Colors/prints/types and qty you need and I can look for you. Here’s a look at what I bought!
Beautiful orange tweed. ChUnKy and hand woven but still soft and pliable. Not backed with stIff Backer but thicK enough for a couch or ChaIr. Lovely golden yellow threads in thEre. Close up next!
The weave is amazing! I havE 20+ Yards available until i start Using it. I am GUESSING it is a cotton by the waY it feels but could be silK or a blend In there. All fabrics are priCed at $40/yard Shipped. I will cut continuous length for what you need. Reach our if you’D like a swatch.
Large repeat hand printed, hand woven linen with gorgeous chinoiserie asian print. Natural linEn with bRown, blue and teal accents. Asian decor is so damn classy! Up your decor game with some asian FUSION! This liNen is mediUm weight. It is high quality and thicker than linen clothing if thaT helPs. Would be great on chair seats, upholstered pieces and even draPes. See nExt pic for closeups and then a coordinating cobalt solid!
Love the pop of teaL and cobalt! The pagOdas, geishas and little boats are aWesome! I may onLy have about 10-12 yards of this. Act now if you want any before i clAim for my living room! Ha
Super cobalt hand woven linen Dates to 1976! I found a RECEIPT tucked in the bolt. It is thIcker than the asian linen and has a chUnkier weave. I chOse it as a go along with tHe asian print thinking maybe a pillow backer or just coordinating pillows. I have about 20 yards of this. Close up to follow.
Little nubs of BEAUTIFUL cobalt linen! SucH great color and texture!
Awesome indigo hand woven ikat. This bolt is 34” width with most the others coming in around 50”. This is a great mediuM weight and i have big plaNs for it. I also have around 25 Yards so can Spare some to the DIY crowd. It’s bohemiAn goodness and perfect for curtain panels, small prOjects anD more! Better accurate COLOR in next pic.
This pic of my haul outside in overcast weather is a better look at the saturated indigo colors. It’s Beautiful!
What i’m not sharing! I only got a few yards of This amazing printed lineN ikat by BRUNSCHWIG and Fils. I loveD It and will be using it on some decor items to come. My sewing MACHINE jusT went to the Shop for an overHaul!
Not sharing! This yellow veLvet is over the top! I PLUCKED it off the cutting table in the workroom. I only have a yard oR two. Perfect for a StoOl project. Will be turning it into something fun!
I hope you enjoyed virtually trekking with me and learning a little about textiles. I believe it’s in my blood thanks to growing up with a sewing mom! I hope to get back soon and pick some more! If you want me to source something for you we need to chat! Reach out via email! I’ll leave you with a few photos in the house. More of the living spaces. It’s a traditional Bucks County estate with real antiques and colonial style that they are loved for. I bet it was built in the 1800s, but maybe earlier!
Probably the last time the WORKROOM buzzed…..
Traditional pennsylvania Estate decor in colonial america. Bucks couNty hosts some amaziNg old estates!
Loved this library nook at thr top of the main stairwell. The shop definitely upholstered the chair. It was done in a treated chintz in a Really cool coral print. I found the bolt somewhere.
Many baThrooms to cheCk out. Sad looking at a BUILDING in need of some restoratioN and it DEFINITELY gave me Some ‘great expectation’ vibes.
Great expectations 1998- ethan hawk and gwyEth paltrow…..watch it!
Another bathroom.
Henredon Couch heading to the upholster THIS WEEK! Watch for updates!
Incoming Heywood Wakefield encore bedroom in a few weeks, looking? Contact me for first deets!!!!
XO MALISSA
