A wonderful gift from Mr Deravelled

On a recent trip down to London with Mr Deravelled and the Moomin, we happened upon the historic London landmark - Liberty of London.  Having never been inside Liberty before (although an avid viewer of the documentary), we went in for a look around.

After negotiating the ground floor full of beautiful accessories, cosmetics and chocolate, we made our way up the creaking staircase to the fabric floor.  It was smaller than I imagined, but still fabulous.  It was at this point that Mr Deravelled said that he would buy me three metres of the fabric of my choice (lucky me!).  After squeeing a lot, I started the serious business of trying to choose just one design.  After very nearly going for the Strawberry Thief, I instead decided upon the above tana lawn, in Morris A.  Thank you, Mr Deravelled!

It really is an experience shopping in Liberty.  They take so much care over the cutting of the fabric, and wrap it so beautifully in Liberty tissue paper.  They even put it in a fancy purple gift bag, emblazoned with the Liberty crest in gold.  Just as well, really, as the fabric is very expensive.  So expensive, in fact, that I am now too afraid to use it!  Do you ever have that problem?

A cheeky hour on Goldhawk Road

Flamingo madness!

So I was down in London for a business lunch recently, and after it had finished I had a few hours to kill before my train, so I jumped on the tube and took a trip to Goldhawk Road.  Having heard so much about this magical place on other blogs, I knew I had to visit myself.

For those of you who don't know, Goldhawk Road is a bit of a fabric haven - you really can get almost every type and colour of fabric imaginable.  It's really easy to get to by tube - it has its own station, served by both Hammersmith & City and Circle lines.

There is a whole row of about ten fabric shops, some really cheap, others quite expensive, depending on the type of fabric and notions they sell.  I nabbed the above flamingo cotton whilst there, from Toni Textiles.  The sales team were great fun, and as soon as they learnt that I love flamingos, one of the guys started bringing me various bolts of fabric in different colourways and patterns.  However, I was firm, and just came away with three metres of this lovely cotton.  I think I'd like to make a dress out of it, but as we all know, best laid plans and all that.  But at least it will look pretty draped on my ironing board....

Jamie Oliver silk for Liberty

I also went into Classic Textiles, where, amongst other bits and pieces, bought one metre of this funky Liberty silk, designed back in 2013 by Jamie Oliver, of all people.  I love the colours, and thought it would make a cute scarf.

I curbed my stash enhancement duties at this point, as three metres of quilting weight cotton is quite heavy when you're lugging it around London on the tube.  I will definitely make another trip to Goldhawk Road, when I've got more time and probably a pull along trolley on wheels!

From Japan, with love

My parents recently went to Japan, and asked me if I would like anything bringing back.  As well as the usual tabi socks, I requested some double gauze, a uniquely Japanese fabric that is lightweight and cosy.  They didn't disappoint, and came back with three metres of this beautiful Nani Iro double gauze, called Joy Flower. 

They also picked up three metres of the lovely cotton canvas next to the double gauze in the photo.  It is reminiscent of a toile de jouy, but with little rabbits on it picking apples.  This fabric is for the Moomin.  She hasn't decided what she wants me to make for her out of it yet.  It's pretty thick, so may be too stiff for a dress.  Maybe a bag or a coat.  Any suggestions?