For all of you existing and expecting mothers

I have no children as yet and as you know from previous posts we have our close friends and my sister in-law expecting in the coming months, and it would seem that everyone else around us already has one if not two!

I secretly can’t wait to decorate a nursery, so, to fulfill my little need and appeal to you existing and expecting mothers I thought why don’t we have a look at what’s happening in the world of children’s fabrics?

It’s no longer gingham, spots and stripes and certainly not pink and blue!



Far Far Away III Snow White in Grey Blue by Heather Ross [avalable through www.kelanifabrics.com.au]

Hokuo No Kodomo Alphabet in Blue [available through www.kelanifabrics.com.au]

November Books It's a Small World in White [available through www.kelanifabrics.com.au]

Pinocchio in Blue [available through www.kelanifabrics.com.au]

Far Far Away II Sleeping Beauty in Yellow by Heather Ross [available through www.kelanifabrics.com.au]

Designers Guild Around the World in Aqua

November Books Lace Stripe in Bone [available through www.kelanifabrics.com.au]

Designers Guild Chalk Farm in Linen

Lovebirds Red & Blue on White [available through www.kelanifabrics.com.au]

Far Far Away III Childs Play in Grey by Heather Ross [available through www.kelanifabrics.com.au]

My absolute favourite and I mean hands-down favourite are the fabrics by author and artist Heather Ross from her Far Far Away Collections. I think I might just have to buy some and tuck it away! After all I would hate to miss out on it when it does actually come time to decorate a nursery.

To find out more on heather Ross visit her website   http://heatherross.squarespace.com/.





A Small Milestone Reached

Since the birth of Bobbin Scissors Thread I have promised to reward myself with a present as soon as I hit 1000 page views [as you can see I am very big on short term goals!]. I thought I needed a reward to work towards because at no point did I think I would achieve this little milestone in just over a month and a half, but here we are! So thank you to all the people on the other side of the world looking at blogs whilst I’m asleep as you tipped us over the mark sometime last night and thank you to all on my side of the world who come and have a look regularly. I appreciate the support.

I am finding Bobbin Scissors Thread to be a release of everything I love about the world of fabrics and interiors and love the thought that you are all learning something along the way. Thank you all so much for reading or just looking at the images!

Now, as to that present……………

Monday's Lesson: Pattern 101 Ikat

Last week it was pipped at the post by Suzani but finally the time has come to explore one of today's most popular patterns, Ikat.

The term Ikat describes a dying technique used to pattern textiles by resist dying, a process similar to tie-dye. Like in tie-dye where bindings are placed around the fabric where dye is not required, Ikat uses the same process but on individual threads prior to weaving rather than on the finished piece as a whole. To get even more technical Ikat can be produced as a ‘Warp Ikat’, ‘Weft Ikat’ or ‘Double Ikat’. All fabrics are made up of a weft and a warp [the horizontal and the vertical thread used to weave fabrics] and each of these terms refers to the weft being dyed and the warp being left plain, the reversal or the use of both a dyed weft and warp thread.

The making of Schumacher Darya warp Ikat, printed warp and traditional hand woven.

An Indonesian term, Ikat is a widely used weaving style and common in many cultures across the world such as Argentina, Uzbekistan, India, Cambodia, Guatemala, and Japan. The weaving styles vary as do the motifs however due to the time and skill required to create Ikat, it is commonly perceived across cultures as a symbol of status, wealth and prestige. Today’s Ikat are predominantly printed rather than woven but still manage to evoke this feeling of prestige and individuality.

I love the colours used here and the balance of them. The upholstery is sensational, look at how the pattern is repeated in the same spot accross each of the cushions and runs beautifully from the top of the back to the bottom front.

This Ikat is amazing, as is this image! Colourful and pattern heavy yet balanced and unoffensive. 

Beautiful lavender Ikat occasional chairs. Interesting point of difference in having the base cushion plain rather than patterned.

This Ikat sofa is totally me! I love the neutral colour yet the bold pattern use still makes a statement.

Love the chairs and the colour, would have loved to have seen more of it throughout the room for the connection.

I love these chairs! What an amazing idea, I have never seen anything like it, I love it!

Beautful Lee Jofa Ikat

If you’re interested in more ways to incorporate Ikat into your life, check out my Pinterest board http://pinterest.com/bobbinscissors/pattern-101-ikat/ 

New Collections: Manuel Canovas

I appreciate all fabrics, but Manual Canovas creates sensational fabrics!

From his first collection launch in 1963 his designs have been timeless, different, and a topic of discussion. His first launch shocked the Paris design community, with critics claiming the colours were too strong and the patterns too large. Never swayed, collections to date have been bold and breathtaking and for me personally, using one of his fabrics in a job would be a milestone, particularly one from the latest collection, which are simply amazing.

If you’re interested in more Manuel Canovas, check out my Pinterest board http://pinterest.com/bobbinscissors/designer-manuel-canovas/

Monday's Lesson: Pattern 101 Suzani

The weeks have gone by and each Monday I think ‘this is the week to write about Ikat’ and then I think of something more important to write about. Now finally Monday rolls around and I could educate you all on Ikat, but guess what, after much deliberation I think we should start with Suzani; it's so NOW! (I find it funny to write that, I would never say ‘It’s so NOW’).

I say it is a NOW pattern but Suzanis have been around since the 15^th century. The term 'Suzani' translates to 'needle' and refers to the heavy needlework embroidery. An interesting technique used in creating Suzanis is couching - where thread is laid down on the fabric and then stitched in place using another to create a raised line.

Traditionally made by brides in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other central Asian countries as part of their dowry, the Suzani was presented to the groom on their wedding day. Made from cotton or silk and embroidered in the same thread, Suzanis are colourful and often depict sun and moon discs, flowers, leaves, fruits and occasionally fish and birds. 

Amazing scale Suzani print occasional chairs. Love the layout of the room.

Suzani print tablecloth.

Suburban Home Alfred Shaheen Indigo Printed Suzani.

Martin Lawrence-Bullard traditional embroidered Suzani headboard.

Beautiful small scale printed Suzani wingback chairs, the upholstery is perfection! Look at how the pattern repeat is identical on both chairs.

Robert Allen Medallion Band Colour Toffee.

Traditional embroidered Suzani bedspread.

Kathryn Ireland Interior.

If you’re interested in more ways to incorporate Suzani or even Mexican Suzani into your decorating, check out my Pinterest board http://pinterest.com/bobbinscissors/pattern-101-suzani/