Paisley for Baby and Me!
I’m a paisley snob no doubt about it. I have certain criteria that must be met before I like a paisley fabric:
1. The size of the paisley must be right, not too small or large.
2. It can’t be dense or my eyes will cross.
3. Must be plenty of background behind the paisley so it stands on its own.
4. The colors have to be soft like a water-color to speak to me. :>)
Have you ever thought in such terms when you look at a paisley fabric? Oh no! Maybe you’ll become a paisley snob too and you’ll blame me!
My love affair with paisley started in Paris several years ago. I found myself rummaging through the flea markets looking for treasures. When I came upon some old drawings from vintage lace I got very excited. There was a paisley in the drawings like no other! It was beautiful and I knew it was a treasure! You never want to look too excited in a flea market where you don’t speak the language…it will cost you money for sure. I had my daughter in law with me who speaks fluent French. It’s a good thing or I probably would have ended up paying a fortune for the drawing!
Here’s the drawing in the picture below. The paper was starting to tear along the edges, and it felt like old newsprint. Elke did the bargaining for me and I bought it for 80 euros. We rolled it up, packaged it in a tube and I brought it home. A year later when I was working on Windsor Lane I decided to add it to the fabric collection. It took me forever to re-create this paisley to get it just right. I am in awe of the original artist who drew it with just a pencil in the 1800’s.
Here’s the paisley re-created for Windsor Lane :
And now, because of my trip to Paris, we can all make things with this beautiful paisley!
I’m thinking of napkins for my Thanksgiving table, drapes for a baby’s room, duvet covers, pillows, dresses and on and on.
Windsor Lane Paisley! I hope you love it! My fabric just arrived at Bunny Hill late yesterday and we’ll be unpacking it today. We’ll start on kits this week!
Yes, I ordered extra of the paisley. I couldn’t resist.
Check out the sale section on my website…I just added past issues of magazines at 50 to 75% off. It’s time to clear the shelves for new things to come!
Back soon,
Anne
14 Comments
Jo
I’m also surprised by the beauty of what you get to make from a design wow !!!
Cute ! cute !
Heather
What a cool story, I am completely fascinated that you found a drawing of this and it was for lace, WOW! Thanks for sharing so we can learn something, and your fabric turned out gorgeous.
Barb
Your paisley fabric is luscious! I can’t wait to see this fabric in person – I’m certain it will be even more beautiful than imcanimagine!
So did you frame the original paisley drawing? It is so beautiful.
kathyG IN NC
Brillant ❤ you are such an inspiration as an artist
kathyG IN NC
Brillant ❤ you are such an inspiration as an artist♫❤
LOVE LOVE how you rolled it up & brought it home & waited for just the right
time … What a delicious story from Paris ❤ I Love it❤
Cassie
Oh what giddy excitment you invoke! The paisley is gorgeous and I love learning of how you discovered it. Your entire blog and website is my go-to for girly inspiration! Thanks for being there and sharing with all of us!
Karen
Anne — It’s beautiful !
I’m so glad you are a Paisley Snob! I think it’s cool to join those ranks!
Precious — love the fabric.
Karen
Melody
Wow, it’s brilliant. I adore paisley fabric.
Lee
Oh my!!! It will be hard to wait on this lovely fabric!!! :0
Cindy Sharp
Very pretty. Unfortunately I once looked up the origin of this type of print and am forever scared. I know you are curious now, don’t do it or you will become even more of a snob….like me.
Nicole C.
Oh, my! That is a perfect Paisley print! I know what you mean about a Paisley being too busy and making you go cross-eyed! I’m also obsessed with Paisleys and experience the same thing! I’ll have to get some of this fabric for sure. My little girl is also obsessed with Paisleys. For good reason, it’s her name! She loves to buy Paisley fabrics and some day when she’s big enough to learn how to sew, I’ll help her make a quilt out of them. A pretty quilt, it probably will not be. But it will be hers because she knows a Paisley print when she sees one and she wants to buy a fat quarter of every one she can find! We’ll be buying more than a fat quarter or two of this perfect Paisley, though!
mimi'sdarlins
Or valances, or cover a pretty bedroom lamp shade, notebook or journal…I can think of lots more! If that original drawing were mine, I would want to frame and display it. It’s gorgeous! Beautiful work on your interpretation, Anne:)
JulieZaloudek
Your paisley is spectacular–looking forward to seeing it in person! Olivia the owl is pretty cute, too.
BJ
Oooh la la — what a gorgeous gorgeous paisley! You are right — not all paisleys are perfect and not all of them speak to me, but this one, oh my! ♥