Quilty secrets

I was inspried this week by the new exhibition at the V&A in London (" Quilts 1700 - 2010") to hunt out some attractive quilts in cyberland. Surprisingly, although there are literally thousands of websites devoted to patchwork, Amish quilts and quilt patterns, it's not that easy to find pieces that are original but not avant-garde, attractive but not too "folksy".
I've come up with a few designers that produce what I think are lovely pieces - being handmade they inevitably come at quite a price. Oh well - it costs nothing to oggle so let's enjoy browsing!

First up are Napoleon Quilts from the USA - my favourites by a long chalk, they are entirely hand-stitched and are produced in limited edition - no more than 8 of a design are ever made and some are totally unique. Created for children, their use should certainly be extended to adults!



I also am pretty fond of these pieces by Sun Moon Lake . Two reasons: 1. they are based in a place I actually visited at Christmas, a little gem of a town tucked away in the moutains of central Taiwan and 2. they are made from soft cashmere, re-worked from cast off jumpers . Each piece is soft, warm and hand-crafted, as well as re-cycled!




Sally Campbell in Australia is a up there with the very best, designing quilts that as she says are either "hand-woven, hand-stitched, hand-dyed or hand block-printed". She works with artisans in rural parts of India using traditional techniques to keep ancient handicrafts alive. All the items are carbon neutral and part of the sum paid for them goes back to the community. The results are exquisite :





Raggidyragdolls are another pick from down under producing locally made hand-crafted children's toys and cot quilts. Featuring Red Riding Hood, magic animals and birds and all being machine washable, they make bedtime beautiful!



Like Sally Campbell, American John Robshaw has long been interested in the printing techniques of Indian craftsmen. Working closely with local artisans, he spends much of his time in India, creating beautiful designs that combine a "painterly aesthetic" with traditional block-printing, producing elegant quilts that retain the spirit of age-old handicrafts. All I have to do now, is get to the V&A!!

This baby only cares for ... Mobiles!

With two of my best friends expecting babies in May, I've been hunting round for sweet and original gifts and in particular for mobiles. They are lots of cute designs out there so I've tried to limit myself to a few fun pieces. My favourites are the wooden designs of Petit Collage from California - I just love the natural appearance and simplicity of the shapes - would hang them in my room for sure!


I was also quite taken with this rather funky tribute to the capital cities of Europe, created by the German company Bomb Design (great name!). If like me you're a mixed-up European you can't fail to love the idea.


A bit girly this one and more of a work of art perhaps than children's play thing, but I really like the variety of textures and shapes and the overall "cobbled-together' effect. It's by Paris-based Helene Manche who also makes jewellery and accessories.


In Toronto, Bookhou produce this beautiful hand laminated "Flock" mobile, with a maple veneer. A studio that emphasizes "natural hand-made materials", the design stirkes me as soothing and quite peaceful - perhaps what's needed in those early days!


Hand-made by Hélène Millot / Bon Vent and sold via Favoritechoses these hand-made origami mobiles are pretty and delicate. The "P'tit Inventaire" below, features a paper bird, fish, antelope, elephant and rabbit - a unique introduction the animal kingdom!


The blue mobile below features 16 paper storks - a novel way to celebrate the traditional symbol of new arrivals.


In Hamburg,Fraenze Straessle gathers together clothespegs, keys, light bulbs and all manner of bric à bric to make one-off, unique, hand-made mobiles that are again more on the artsy side, but have an edgy charm that might appeal to parents tired of fluff and pink ribbons.

Get that kettle on! - Taking a look at tea-cosies

Ok, so at risk of betraying my British roots I'm devoting a whole post to tea-cosies. Keeping the teapot hot, cosies are also a wonderful source of inspiration for the creatively-inclined and more often than not incite original and outlandish designs.
I've hunted around to select a variety from the literally millions on offer. Admittedly, Donna Wilson's chocolate cake gets a star rating as does Paul Smith's take on a typical "Granny's front room" knitted design. Would love to hear of any other contenders for "best cosy of the year!"

Below are cosies by Argyle St, sold at Etsy. For the full range of colours take a look at the
Flock of Teacosy Blog.

Paul Smith's bobble hat affair:

This lovely embroidered design by Rie Elise Larsen:

British Janie Withers goes for something more simple:


Donna Wilson does it with a cherry on the top:

Dutch deisgners Tas-ka have found inspiration in gabled houses!

Feeling groovy - New Zealand's hidden handicrafts

A great find this week - Felt , a New Zealand site devoted to the buying and sellling of handicrafts and design. A bit like Etsy, creators can sell their wares and the rest of us can browse at leisure feasting our eyes on all the treats on offer. Below is a selection of one or two items I fell for but there are plenty more once you start rummaging!
First off , are these beautiful prints and printed textiles by Minu whose own site is a lso well worth a visit:

I also hit upon these Magnetic boards by LeilaLoves, which are covered in gorgeous Amy Butler fabrics:



And to finish, a couple of handmade screen-printed Lampshades by MyDesign in Wellington :

A real treasure trove!

Pieces and bits

Well yes, I'm still working on my own pots and seeking inspiration absolutely everywhere.My talent is not yet worthy of public display so instead i'll share these beautiful pieces I came across at Manos . They are made by the Swedish ceramist Karin Eriksson whose own web site has an exquisite range of porcelain mobiles, pot and bowls that extends the range on offer at Manos. Enjoy!


I absolutely love these mosaic pieces with sections of different floral designs placed alongside one another. Little fragments of delicacy!



Manos also sell cards and printed works with funky and bright designs created by the Norwegian Darling Clementine team. Their goods are also sold via Etsy so easy to get hold of!



Manos also offer various types of textiles including my pick - these wool bags created by the Dutch designer Tineke Beunders. They are made from wool blankets (from the designer's own collection) and each one is totally unique. The interior fabric is totally different to the exterior adding that extra flash of originality!