I have fallen in love with vintage French fabrics. I have always admired them but never been exactly sure what to do with them… until yesterday. As I was dunking myself in the swimming pool for the zillionth time (I can’t even describe how hot it has been this week… it is impossible to concentrate… so please forgive me if I ramble here… broken sleep and lethargy don’t make for a good stream of consciousness) I looked back at our undercover shade area and all the Moroccan cushions strewn about on the sofas. That is when the light bulb went off… I am going to change them… I am going to start collecting scraps of vintage fabrics in the markets this winter and make new cushion covers to create a vintage floral fantasy by the pool..
The sofas make up a lounging area… very simple but it is a great place to read and relax when the sun is at its strongest or you have just had enough of a good thing… There are so many cushions… so this new idea will take time and no doubt drive me crazy… but that hasn’t stopped me before… and besides, I will have a new focus for collecting. One of my great friends has been collecting vintage snippets forever and she has a brilliant flair for putting them together in her home, so I am hoping we can hunt together… I like the idea of a riot of colour and a jumble of prints… this will be such a change from the subdued and earthy colours that we have at the moment. I imagine that when the cushions are thrown together, they will have that glorious ‘shabby chic’ look in a French Provencal fashion…
I have already started this new vintage fabric collection. The two pieces of raspberry cotton, poking out above the violet flowers, in the photograph above are my first buys. Sadly the violet piece was snapped up before my friend could buy it… totally gorgeous and in such perfect condition. She saw it, loved it, but decided to see what else was on offer in the market. By the time we made it back to the stall, it had been sold. Moral of the story when market shopping… browsing is for amateurs. If there is something you like and the price is right, take it. The better brocantes are often where dealers find their treasures… so oftentimes the luxury of ‘thinking about it’ doesn’t exist… I am not suggesting that we let buying frenzy take over… on the contrary… but if there is something that appeals, that fits the collection and the budget, then the idea is to commit to avoid disappointment.
So fabrics are my latest crush… two down and many, many more to go… I imagine it will take the whole of winter and then some to assemble this collection… but that’s fine, I am in no hurry. Are you a vintage fabric lover? Or do you prefer a more streamlined, modern look? I don’t know what has come over me… ever since I bought those Anthropologie plates…… xv
To read more from French Essence click here…
I think a riot of colour and mix of pattern sounds like a wonderful idea and it’s so much more interesting browsing the stalls when looking for something in particular and building a collection.
P.S. How I wish we had some of your strong sun here in the UK!
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
Hi Vicki, I have loved vintage fabric for many many eons. I would not say that I’m a collector (I have one closet devoted to textiles…that said, I do collect vintage and antique fortuny and fabrics old and new that I think will work in the shop. Fabrics tell such a story, how can you ignore them when they call. Be well. Stay cool–it is going to be a bit cooler here in SC today (but it has been awful). xoxoxo Mary
What a fabulous idea. You are so lucky you have access to such wonderful and gorgeous things. I can’t wait to see the fruits of your labour… It will be amazing!! Happy Hunting!! Jx
Vicki-
I can’t wait to see the finished covers. I know that it will be stunning with the rich colors.
Have a great day!
Teresa
xoxo
They’re gorgeous fabrics! And what a fun thing to collect. I’ve been collecting vintage fabrics for years and finally had to stop because I had so many I couldn’t possibly use them all. AND I had so many pillows I’d made from them my house was totally cushioned!
Can’t wait to see more of your finds.
Loved vintage fabrics for years. Sometimes to
get a vintage “look” from a fabric, I use the
“underside ” of the fabric. Gives it a worn and
softer look.
Oh yes. I have done this, as well.
Love the idea. Can’t wait to see it all completed! It will be wonderful
Xx
Callie
Hello Vicki,
I am a long time reader but dont comment enough, but this weeks posts have me itching to type up. The 50 shades of grey post, then the one on Beautiful ruins (fantastic read) and now the one on textiles. I adore provencal textiles! Good luck with your hunt and i am sure once completed, the cushions will look fantastic once completed.
These are beautiful Vicki. The red ones are gorgeous. They would glorious beside an azure pool.
There’s a new French fabric shop in Melbourne, a sister store to Scarlet Jones in Hawthorn. I went there recently to buy some vintage French ribbons and some Artiga/Le Toiles des Soleil fabrics, as there’s no stockist in Melbourne. (And I couldn’t get to Paris!) All the French bolts were stacked against a weathered old aqua wall, just like in France. It was beautiful.
Can’t wait to see what you do with them.
xx
Something very creative in that pool water Vicki…………a brilliant idea and it will look fabulous in your setting. I could use a dip or two to fire up some creativity!
Much love and what a fun winter project to collect all the patterns and colours.
XO
These fabrics are gorgeous! I would love to be over in France, picking vintage fabrics to bring home and work with. Look forward to seeing the end result.
http://www.donnaviningblog.com
you go sister girl + i know the cushions will be divine. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Gorgeous colors Vicki. That blue and white at the top is stunning!
Love the fabrics! I would buy them all!
Your lounging spot by the swimming pool sounds just like heaven. And the vintage fabrics will be the perfect touch. I’m in love with vintage French fabrics, too, and would love to put myself in your shoes, hunting for treasures at the markets to complete this project.
I hope it cools down for you all soon. Sending breezy thoughts your way! XO
Vicki,
I adore old vintage fabric………..have a crush on TOILE.Love Love Love your idea about the pillows for the pool area!BEAUTIFUL vision!!!!!!!!!!
Vicki,
I think this is a wonderful idea. I love vintage fabrics. I’ve seen some wonderful pieces available via eBay but I’m sure you will have an even better selection, at more reasonable prices, in the south of France. Don’t forget to show us your cushions as you get them made.
Karen
You are speaking my language Vicki. I collect and buy fabrics. They don’t necessary have to be vintage, although I’m always looking and picking those up. My collections are threatening to spill over from the two closets they are kept. The doors are threatening to bust if I put anymore inside.
GOOD AFTERNOON, VICKI!
Oh, I hear that Europe is so hot right now and to be in Provence at this time could be brutally hot. I love your idea to make poolside cushions! It is always wise to store away any fabrics that speak to you; even if they stay put away for years, one day you find that perfect use for them and you are ready to make an original object from that. BEAUTIFUL! Anita
Vintage fabrics.
Make my heart sing!!
Brilliant idea to have all around your pool.
Stay cool, dear Vicki!
Great post as usual … I love vintage fabric and there is likely to be so much around. Soleado’s home in Tarascon must be an excellent backyard for you. (I’ve heard you can tour the old factory?)
I was a fan for years of Suzy Gershman’s Born to Shop Paris books, and she always imparts the “Russian rule of shopping” buy it when you see if if you like it. You can’t count on it being there later. I never forget that rule.
Lovely ideas .. you can do so much with snippets of fabric. Good luck on your new venture.
I didn’t hav a chance to commment on yesterday’s Beautiful Ruins post … several people I know have read it and liked it. I may have to jump in … abandon new translation of Madame Bovary for a bit.
Hope the heat breaks soon … you could sleep on an air mattress in your pool, no? Put a life vest on. Heat and I are not friends.
Best, love the blog …
Karen in CT
Dear Karen, We visited the Souleiado shop in Tarascon about two months ago. Sadly the Souleiado museum was closed for refurbishing – we were so disappointed as I had really wanted to see it. The factory itself is not open to the public. But the shop in Tarascon is huge and has an amazing range of clothes, tableware etc and fabrics, some at discounted prices. Every time we go to Provence we always stop at Souleiado shops (Arles, Antibes, St Remy, Cassis etc) and my husband has bought a fabulous collection of their shirts over the years. Not suitable for business but look great in the summer as smart casuals. I had only bought scarves and small items until this trip when I too bought a wonderful shirt which I’m looking forward to wearing in the summer.
There is also a factory outlet for Les Olivades (Souleiado’s competitor) just off the road between St Remy and Tarascon. Definitely worth a visit. My French friend and I had a lovely time shopping in both and even my husband was pleased as he collected some more shirts. Best wishes, Pamela
these fabrics are so beautiful! Wish I could have them do make myself some beautiful dresses!
XoXo
Plami
One can never have too many pillows! Love the fabrics!
Love old feeling and vintage looking fabrics, these are gorgeous. I am textile crazy, never ever get tired of looking, touching and feeling beautiful fabrics and trims!
I have a nice collection of fabrics(mostly vintage), which I use for my quilting projects, so your idea of pillow covers sounds great. Love those Provencal colors. Usually try to pick up a few meters when I’m visiting in Arles. – It’s hot here in Florida also at 33*C or more, but it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity that’s wear you down. Thank goodness for swimming pools and Air Conditioners.:)
Great idea Vicki, I can only imagine how gorgeous your rendition of French vintage fabrics is going to look on these pillows. Can’t wait for updates on this visual feast. Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday!
xo Mary Jo
I’m glad you have a pool to retreat to during this brutal heat. Next time you are there, take a “before” photograph of the pool and surrounding area, including pillows, and post it so we can imagine the changes you are planning. The fabrics pictured are lovely.
Sounds like a beautiful way to bring those vintage fabrics to life, Vicki. I’ll look forward to seeing photos of them here in the fullness of time. Enjoy…
Vicki, they are just beautiful! Can’t wait to see what you have in mind for them.
I love vibrant colours your fabrics will look stunning in the garden and around the pool.Hope that it cools down for you soon.x Trish
Hi,
I love your blog and site and thank you for writing so regularly. I am madly jealous even of stifling heat, as it is cold and wet here in Melbourne. Your cushion idea sounds interesting and something to think about doing here, maybe with Asian style fabrics. Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know (if you don’t already) about an exhibition coming up at the NSW gallery featuring photos of old Paris by Eugène Atget. Quite fascinating. This is the link: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/eugene-atget/
Cheers
Katherine
lovely must have colors!
I think it sounds like a wonderful idea and wouldn’t mind doing it myself! Our porch could use some new life to it anyway! I may even find some to add to my daughter’s new kitchen! Thanks for the ideas!
Vicki I love the color palette of rich raspberries, reds, pinks, etc! With you taste now way it will look shabby; very French, yes!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artists Series
Oh Yum! I too have a crush on French vintage Fabrics.Have note used many yet but I collect them, one of these days I will put them to use.Enjoy your scouting this winter~Cheers Kim
Hello Vicki
I am looking forward to following your collecting. You will have original cushions, with texture and colour unique to you.
I have some cushions made with vintage tapestry, which I love change when the Fall leaves begin to blow.
Thanks for sharing
Helen xx
Well you’re in the right place for vintage fabric shopping. We live opposite souleiado, in Tarasco and. In the museum you can see many beautiful antique fabrics and you can often find them in the brocants in beaucaire, I love them!
They are beauitful! I guess if I had a few of those, maybe I would have got them made into scarves or if they are large enough, table cloth.
Dear Vicki,
I adore vintage fabrics. They carry the memories of another time and place. Would love to see what you end of making in the end.
Best wishes!
Vicki,
this is such a wonderful post!
I’m smitten with vintage textiles and beginning to collect them. I love the raspberry colour platette you have have chosen and hope to see photos of your cusions once they’re completed.
Sorry to hear your friend wasn’t able to purchase the violet fabrics that caught her eye. I, too, have learned that hard lesson.
We are planning to travel to France next summer, Paris and St Tropez, and textile shopping is at the top of my list. Can you recommend sources {certain brocantes or other places} to purchase from? I’m especially unfamiliar with St Tropez.
Hope you get some relief from the heat soon…
xoxo, B
Brenda,
The best thing is to check what local brocantes are on and on which days… http://brocabrac.fr/
In the South…
The Saint Tropez market ( Tuesday and Saturday mornings has a small antiques section up the back… sometimes you can be lucky there… Nice has a fantastic brocante on a Monday morning and my favourite at the moment is Villeneuve-les-Avignon, just outside of Avignon… There is also L’Isle sur la Sorgue which is definitely worth a trip..
In Paris…
I like Cligancourt the best… on the weekends…
This post has all the market days mentioned… http://vickiarcher.com/2009/11/the-window-shopper-market-days-in-provence/
Happy looking… xv
Vickie,
thank you so much for sharing!
xoxo, B
Bonjour Vicki, I learnt as a very young woman that if you love something and can afford it, buy it immmediately as someone else will love it just as much and your chance will be lost. I also love to use different found fabrics for my cushions which give a zipp to a setting. A beautiful day here in Bunbury Western Australia, sping is on its way. The occassional wind is providing our western australian snow from the Almond tree in the back garden. Enjoy your day, Rosalie
dear vicki… i have been absent for the summer and busy as a bee but having fun too! i of course read about all of your ventures and had to comment here as you know my heart skips a beat when it comes to VINTAGE FABRICS FROM FRANCE! you would love to come to red ticking as it has become a treasure trove of lovelies… and i will come scoop you up one day and we can run around together giddy with delight as we discover more treasure… what fun …
enjoy MO another treasure (yet exhausting i am sure) i love your description … i have felt it so often you take a deep breath and journey in knowing what is ahead and how you have to pace yourself… i am hoping for january… are you game?
have fun with sande….. truly… i can only imagine the 2 of you … enjoy…xx
Hi Vicki, is it possible to purchase some of these lovely french fabrics from a supplier in Australia?
They look beautiful
Regards
Sharon
I don’t know of anyone who imports them into Australia… sorry… xv