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.
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.
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!
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!
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