Stitches Create Memories
Whenever I am on my (fairly constant) shopping expeditions through country flea markets, antique and slightly-used shops, and demolition sites,
I let my imagination take over. It’s not just old pieces of furniture I’m scouting, although I do take great satisfaction from transforming salvaged benches, tables and beds. Anything from lamps to carpets, washstands, ceramic pots, or jewelry might catch my eye. They are all grist for the decorating mill. And then there are glorious fabrics -- antique linens and laces, velvet gowns, satin sashes, quilts, old draperies and scrap bags. Their colours and textures, aged but still soft and beautiful, beg to be taken home and turned into something new.
Cassandra Ellis’ beautiful book, Home Sewn, published by Clarkson Potter, demonstrates how to turn linens and leathers and other bought or found fabrics into treasures that will make your home come alive with warmth and history.
It’s a history that you may start, or continue to pass along. From heirloom quilts and stylish curtains to practical poufs and ottomans, Ellis treats every room in her home to hand sewn style, and assures her readers that “sewing home goods is something we can all do.” A basic sewing machine, a pair of good sewing scissors, a small collection of threads, including her favourite metallic threads, and your selection of fabrics will get you started.
In the vignette shown here, with photography by Catherine Gratwicke, Ellis shows us her whimsical side by fashioning a chandelier made from scraps of cotton, silk and leather. There is no light inside this fabric chandelier, it’s meant to be fun and a visual delight. Cut out circles, or any shape you like, from your choice of fabrics. You can paint the shapes, and add glitter to some. The fabric chains are joined together with a straight stitch sewn through the center of each shape, leaving a small space between each, but not breaking the thread. The chains are then attached to a lamp ring, or you can make your own wire ring. The finished piece is hung from the ceiling with heavy thread, ribbon or string. On a more practical note, the oversized pillows (or ottomans as Ellis calls them) stacked under the table are multipurpose, used as teen headrests, dog beds, footstools, and extra seating. Ellis supplies a pattern for this project, which can be downloaded from her website, www.cassandraellis.co.uk. Click on homesewn downloads and print out the pdf. Instructions for each project are straightforward and the steps are not difficult. If you can sew a seam and hand stitch, you are set. Some items such as a lamp shade kit are sourced in the U.K., but readily available here either through craft shops or online.
Here are more projects Ellis has made specially for her home and yours. Stamped cotton voile café curtains, using wooden blocks for stamping and either fabric ink, or paint or pads.
Leather beanbag bookends are a unique idea and can be fancy or plain; it’s all in the fabric you choose.
Patchwork pillows, antique silk-scrap bed bolsters, a silk velvet and antique sari quilt that is sure to become an heirloom. And to add a delicate and flighty touch to a corner wall or curtain, how about some gilded silk organdy butterflies? If you haven’t sewn anything yet, you will become a convert simply by leafing through this book.