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Category Archives: fabrics

Griswold Textile for Discounted Designer Fabrics

04 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by SOF in fabrics, textiles

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Discounted Designer Home Fabrics, Discounted Fabrics, Fabric Seconds, Griswold Textile, Textile Mills

I have somewhat of a problem when it comes to fabrics. As in I can’t walk into a fabric store without falling in love with a million prints. It’s a problem because it’s a fairly costly expense (those designer fabrics aren’t cheap–at all!), but I also don’t have nearly enough projects in  my own home to use them all for. Although, I could probably open up a fabric store out of my basement.

I’d long heard of this magical fabric store in Westerly, RI called Griswold Textile that sells discounted high end home fabrics, but had never been because I thought I’d get myself into too much trouble, but last week I made the pilgrimage with two partners in crime…and it was well worth it.

The reason that they have all of this fabric is because they’re the ones that hand-print the fabrics for companies like Clarence House, Lulu DK, and Hable Construction. But not everything that comes out of the mill is in perfect condition and so those seconds (most of which you can’t tell the problem with unless you look very closely or sometimes you can’t tell at all) are sold in the mill’s store at huge discounts. We’re talking $13-17 per yard for fabrics that can otherwise be over $100 per yard!

So here’s what I got (above). The pink and white on the left will be for curtains in my daughter’s bedroom makeover. The rest I have a lot of ideas for, but you’ll just have to wait and see what I use them for.

The only catch with this great find is that it’s only open during the week and only until early afternoon. It’s best to call them directly to check on the current hours, but it’s well worth the trip.

And if you can’t make it in person but love fabric as much as I do, check out the screen-printing process shown on their web site.

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Custom Draperies for a Fraction of the Cost
Mod Green Pod’s Special Edition 2011 Anticipate Fabric
First Chateau & Bungalow Designed Fabric Swatch!

Color Inspiration: Pink and Aqua

29 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by SOF in bedding, Bedroom, fabrics, Kids

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Benjamin Moore, Color Inspiration, Pink Peonies, vintage aqua Mason Jar, Willywaw

It’s no secret that I’ve long been obsessed with pink peonies, and for the past several months I’ve also been enamored with the color aqua, and the two of them together is just sheer perfection. I paired this year’s first big bloom from my garden with the vintage aqua mason jar I picked up at Brimfield a few weeks ago to make my Memorial Day weekend a little brighter. But it doesn’t stop there. Oh, no, no, no. After several months of redesigning my daughter’s room (in my head) and going back and forth on how to create this color combination in her room I have finally made a few calls. The issue is not so much that I didn’t know how to incorporate the color combination, but more that I didn’t want to paint her room pink and half of the rooms in my house are already some shade of blue so I wasn’t sure I wanted to go there either. BUT, the paint has been purchased. The bedding has been purchased. And several accents have been purchased. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come of my 3-year-old’s room!

Benjamin Moore Jamaican Aqua

Ralph Lauren Pink Oxford Bedding

Jellyfish Print Fabric by Willywaw

So that is just a taste of what’s to come. I’m so looking forward to making this color combination a permanent fixture in my home. There is much more to come in this room as I also incorporate some of what already exists in the space which has a bit of a vintage eclectic feel. It’s guaranteed to be a fun and colorful space!

Stay tuned…

If you’re looking for more color inspiration, you may like:
Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge!
Welcome to the Year of Tangerine Dream
Purple Reigns in These Rooms

Brimfield Antiques Show: Something for Everyone!

11 Friday May 2012

Posted by SOF in Accessories, fabrics, Furniture, furniture, garden, Inspiration, lighting, Living Room, Outdoor, pillows, Shops We Love, textiles

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Brimfield Antique Show, vintage finds

Yesterday I decided that the pull of the Brimfield Antiques Show was too much to resist and at the last minute I decided to get up at the crack of dawn and make the nearly two hour trek from my home to the biggest outdoor antiques show in the country. For those of you who don’t know what Brimfield (it’s referred to by one word like Madonna and Shaq because that’s what it’s status is in the world of antiques) is, it is essentially an entire downtown population filling their yards and fields with antique dealers (well, technically some people are importers and purveyors of new items, but either way there are lots of goods). And if the land owners don’t have dealers, then they are turning their land into parking lots to profit off the zillions of people who attend this thrice annual show (in May, July, and September). Chances are if you’ve bought a reproduction of a vintage piece at a major retailer, the original piece came from Brimfield.

Above, the lone vintage garden chairs gather together in hopes of finding a new home. I wonder what kind of green certification this show warrants as it is saving a lot of items from ending up in a landfill. But the most awesome thing about Brimfield is that there is literally something for everyone and the entire show is proof that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If you are a collector of anything from toys to Fiestaware to garden gnomes to baseball bats, you will find what you love at Brimfield. You will also find lots and lots of things that you cannot believe anyone would ever buy, but they do. And you will see everyone from the quirky hillbilly to the high end antiques dealer co-mingling to find the coolest stuff at the best deals. Television shows are lurking about filming to share the experience with people across the country.

I hope that this collection of photos gives you an idea of the breadth of items available at the show. I wish I had taken even more pictures, but as my hands became full with purchases, my camera made its way out less frequently.

I really loved this vintage glass cake stand, but while I would have happily picked up a cool cake stand, I knew that I could get a similar look for less in reproduction and since I wasn’t particularly passionate about having a vintage or glass one, I didn’t think the $45 price tag was worth it. The vendors are keen on trends and with the influx of dessert tables, they’re smart to price things high that are trendy.

If you are a collector of any type or color of glass then Brimfield is the place to go. It was only day three when I was there, and most of the glass was already 50% off. I was incredibly tempted, but since I didn’t really have a use for it at the moment, I decided to wait until I build that dream pantry/party closet.

Also in the world of glass are lots of cool glass jars.

These vintage vials of color dyes were very cool, but with children in my house I could only envision my living room rug turning a new color.

What’s with the vials? I really was drawn to them, but seeing as I couldn’t come up with what I would use them for, I couldn’t justify buying them. I’ve bought enough things in my life that still don’t have a purpose to know that.

Then I moved onto furniture. There is tons of fine furniture at this show, but that’s not what I’m really drawn to lately. I really loved this potting bench because of its rustic feel and the fact that it had a real sink in it. I could probably find a spot for it, but not one that hooks up to plumbing.

The Newporter in me loved this porthole side table.

And this amazing filing cabinet went from drab to nautical chic with some paint and a little nautical flag knowledge.

Why am I so drawn to the Union Jack even though I have little tie to it other than having been to Great Britain twice in my life?

Speaking of European inspired furniture, how about this French bistro inspired children’s set?! Unfortunately, my oldest is too big for it and my second isn’t too far behind so it wasn’t worth it.

This mirror bordered linen tufted headboard was to die for! It came from an Atlanta vendor who also had…

lots of other amazing headboards, and starting at $550, they were well priced too.

The same vendor had these great crab paintings as well as some oyster ones. I’m tempted to go back again and get one as they would look amazing in my living room and were pretty well priced. I have the guy’s contact info so if anyone is interested just message me.

He also had these fabulous wicker pendant lights for $95. Again, if I only had a place to put them!

When it comes to accessories, the options are endless, but these vintage books grouped by color reminded me of many of our previous bookshelf styling posts.

And all the twine you could ever imagine.

And if you’re fond of wooden crates, this is the place to go, although I was bummed to not be able to find any as well priced and good looking as the ones I got the last time I went.

We’ve seen grain sack pillows and coffee sack pillows, but how about a money bag pillow? These were reasonably priced at $20, but considering they weren’t even sewn and just closed with a safety pin at the top, I’m pretty sure you could make these yourself without thinking twice…if you happen to have a bunch of money bags laying around. Oddly, I think I might have a few, but sadly they aren’t filled with money.

And if you’re more into fashion than home goods, there is plenty for you too. The former jewelry designer in me was incredibly tempted by this table, but then I remembered all of the beads in my basement and refrained from indulging. However, the vintage clothing, bags, jewelry, etc. are endless at this show.

So what did I end up going home with? I picked up this two-tiered round table because I was inspired by my friend Dani’s use of a similar one although I’m not sure I’ll use it the same way. I was also looking for a bench for my mudroom, but then I found these two wooden bistro chairs for a song and think they’ll work really nicely with my vision for my mudroom redesign. Plus, they’ll be easy extra seating for when I have a large group for dinner. And the baseball bat for my five-year-old who’s currently obsessed with all things baseball and the Red Sox.

I also picked up this turquoise mason jar which I can’t wait to fill with the peonies from my garden, and the amazing vintage turquoise burlap which it sits on.

And lastly, I grabbed this French stripe banding. I’m really excited to work these items into my own home and to make some of it into new products which you might just have the opportunity to buy yourself!

So if you are within a few hours radius of Brimfield, MA and looking for something to do this weekend, hop in the car and check it out.

Just remember:

1. Go with a set budget or else you’ll blow it in the first hour. Giving yourself a limit makes you really second guess whether you need something or not.

2. Have an idea of what you’re looking for and what it typically sells for so that you don’t overpay.

3. Be prepared to bargain. Everything is negotiable!

4. Carry a large tote or bring a wagon in case any of your purchases are heavy. I carried those chairs a long way.

5. If you really love something, buy it immediately or else it may be gone the moment you turn around.

6. Never forget that an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. For instance what some people would normally throw in their recycling bin, might be worth $1 each.

I really hope nobody paid for these, but as I said one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and that’s what Brimfield is all about!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Vintage Red Objets
Brimfield Report
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Sweet Meas for Upcycled Vintage Finds

Etsy Pick of the Week: Willywaw Screen Printed Delights

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by PEY in Accessories, Bedroom, Etsy Pick of the Week, fabrics, pillows, Shops We Love, textiles

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Argonauta, Ashley Van Etten, big bucket, clothes pin holder, Etsy, Narragansett, navy, Newport, pillow, pillow covers, Sea Horse Tea Towel, totes, white, Willywaw

As you know Etsy is filled with a plethora of wonderful hand-made goodies, and this week we wanted to share a local favorite:  Willywaw.  Ashley Van Etten’s studio is over the bridge from Newport, RI in Narragansett and it is an inspiring space to visit as well as shop.  The Argonauta pillow above is one of many hand screen printed pillow covers that are now available on-line in addition to tea towels, totes, notecards and more.

Sea Horse Tea Towel
Clothes Pin Holder

Big Bucket Tote

Since all of the screen printing is done by hand at the studio, Willywaw is able to customize their designs to suit your decor.  A friend’s porch was in need of navy and white pillows to complete the design, and look what Ashley created!  I think the seaweed pillow is my favorite, but gather Sarah wants the whale pillow.

In addition to Willywaw’s Etsy shop, there are Open Studio days on the first Sunday of every month as well as a market stall on Saturday’s at the Winter Coastal Growers Farmers Market.  Willywaw – named after the ferocious arctic winds that sweep down coastal mountains and blow onto the ocean – is sure to inspire all to bring a touch of inspired nature into your decor.

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Buoy Pillow
Caitlin Wilson Textiles Brings Classic Style to Modern Times
Cory Farms is Worth the Drive

New Pillows for the Patio

24 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by AMM in Accessories, fabrics, furniture, Inspiration, Outdoor, pillows, textiles

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

nautical, patio, preppy, Sunbrella, vintage

The warm weather we have been enjoying is getting me excited about my patio project!  This year I plan to remake the cushions for my outdoor furniture; after reading Pamela’s post about decorative pillows, I am going to add some to my outdoor furniture as well!  I have picked out this simple Sunbrella fabric and now I need to find some great throw pillows.  The problem is, there are so many great ones out there.

Nautical or vintage?  Preppy or funky? I Love this one from Etsy.  It looks like a vintage scarf.

What ever I decided I know I want to mix prints and add some pops of color.  Who knows, Maybe my tomato plants won’t be the only pop of red out there this summer.

Image Sources: Sail Rite, West Elm, Olive and Garland, Target

If you like this post, then you might like these:
China Seas Outdoor Fabrics
Under My Umbrella
5 Fabulous Outdoor Dining Tables for Under $500

Etsy Pick of the Week: Pillow Covers for Spring

18 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by PEY in Accessories, Etsy Pick of the Week, fabrics, pillows, Shops We Love, textiles

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Etsy, fabric, green, Modernality 2, navy, pillow covers, pillows, pink, yellow

Reward your Spring cleaning efforts with fresh cut flowers, fresh paint and small changes in your decor.  Any of these will bring color into your space that can invigorate you much like a walk through a garden – a much needed change if you live in a climate with long, dreary winters.  Pillows are one of the easiest items to change in your home, and Modernality 2 on Etsy has hundreds of pillow covers to choose from to fit your needs.

Modernality 2 has made shopping by color and pattern easy by providing these pillow grids in addition to color categories.  Colors range from yellow to orange to navy to grey and more.  And, pillow covers are offered in 12×16, 12×18, 14×14, 16×16 inch, 18×18 inch, and 20×20 inch sizes with customization is available.  Enjoy and shop away!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Caitlen Wilson Textiles Brings Classic Style to Modern Times
Cubism Slipcovered
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Dede Pillows 

Feeling Blue at Venetucci Home

17 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by AMM in Accessories, beach, Dining Room, fabrics, Furniture, furniture, Inspiration, Lighting, pillows, Shops We Love, Tabletop, textiles

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Azure, blue, gold framed art, linen, navy walls, pillows, traditional accessories

Who knew arriving to a yoga class 30 minutes early would work out so well?  Having a few minutes to myself, I hopped downstairs to a relatively new home decor shop here in Newport, Venetucci Home.  I walked in and noticed the various shades of blue throughout the shop.  Linen slip covered furniture happens to be a look I am in love with so I just about fell over when I saw chairs covered in this bright azure blue linen, .

There were beautiful textiles and accessories with hints of blue throughout.  The nautical pieces mixed in with traditional styling, put this local shop high on my like list.  A navy accent wall with gold framed paintings was the icing on the cake.

Thankfully, I am in the market for a new dining room table and chairs.  I think that is reason enough to return to Venetucci Home and skip yoga!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Home Decor Hunt in Newburyport
Me Casa Sue Casa
Besame Mucho

Color Wheel: Warm Corals and Cool Greys

12 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by AMM in Bedroom, fabrics, Inspiration

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Caitlin Wilson Textiles, coral and grey, headboard, pillows, wing chair

Being a girl who loves color, I wonder sometimes why I am so attracted to grey.  The thing is, grey is a great companion color.  Think of it as yellow’s sidekick or in today’s case, coral’s wing-man.  It is a great color to showcase art, fabrics and accessories.  Grey and coral can create a soft palette that can flow throughout your home.

Grey can go in the direction of green or blue.  The challenge is finding the shade that is less sad and putty looking and more soft, reminiscent of a cool fog or ocean mist.  When you find it, pair with coral, pink or even tangerine and you have added the wow factor to your reading nook, bedroom, or any place in your home that needs a little refreshing!

Image sources: Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods, Chateau & Bungalow, Caitlin Wilson Textiles, Blank White Frames, The Designer Insider

If you like this post, you might like these:
Caitlin Wilson Textiles Brings Classic Style to Modern Times
A Zoom in on Texture
Custom Draperies for a Fraction of the Cost

A Sweet Idea

06 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by AMM in Celebrations, fabrics, Parties, pillows, rugs, Shops We Love, textiles

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

buttercream, Cupcaketologist, embroidered pillows, Johnathan Adler, linen, poufs

Yes I admit, I have a WICKED sweet tooth.  I prefer things like cake to ice cream, and chocolate to jelly beans, however when it comes to cupcakes, I am not choosy. Frosting, fluffy, moist cakes wrapped in little paper wrappers…heaven.  Luckily I have a friend who not only creates these little bite sized confections, she blogs about them!

The master of these creations, Jessica Pizzo, is one stylish lady herself so it’s no wonder her cupcakes are so creative and inspiring.  I never thought my love for butter-cream could translate into style ideas but it has completely inspired me.  Rich texture and color come to mind when I look at these mouthwatering images.  I am reminded of soft textured linen, pretty poufs, patterned fabrics, embroidered pillows, and luxurious living rooms.

Now imagine lounging on one of these poufs or in the luxurious living room while sampling a perfectly portioned and beautifully decorated cupcake, served on a Lucite platter. That’s right, I will have my cake AND eat it too!

Image Sources:
The Cupcaketologist
, Cottage by Design, Making It Lovely, Elle Decor, Sweety Design

If you like this, then check these out:
Cupcakes for Everyone
Etsy Pick of the Week: Jeanette Zeis Pottery
Translation:  Sailor Stripe Shirts as Room Decor

 

Etsy Pick of the Week: Modern June’s Chalkcloth for Entertaining

29 Wednesday Feb 2012

Posted by PEY in Celebrations, Dining Room, Etsy Pick of the Week, fabrics, Shops We Love, textiles

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

"Sewing with Oilcloth", banner, Chalkcloth, chalkcloth charger, Etsy, Kelly McCants, Modern June, oilcloth, Oilcloth Addict, Pennant, placemat, table runner, The Oilcloth Expert

In pursuit of new ways to use oilcloth – check out Sewing with Oilcloth by Kelly McCants and a plethora of online resources listed at The Oilcloth Expert - I found chalk cloth.  Now that chalk paint is the new grail of fun ways to use paint, chalk cloth is surely its counterpart in the textile world.  The chalkcloth charger/placemat is one of many creative uses of chalkcloth that I found on Modern June.

Scalloped Chalkcloth table runner

Deluxe Scribble and Splat Mat

Chalk and Oilcloth Pennant

Possibly my most favorite use of chalkcloth is the fun banner above.  So colorful with the oilcloth and useful with the chalkcloth!  And, would be great for a garden party, birthday party, housewarming or in a craft area.

Between the charger, table runner and splat mat, there seem to be so many uses for chalkcloth to be explored.  Modern June is a great shop for these items and chalkcloth yardage.  And, to make the most of your investment there are even instructions for caring for your chalk cloth.

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