Cover stories

Blankets and throws with panache and provenance

THERE ARE PLENTY of reasons to be cheerful now autumn has arrived, chief among them the chance to swaddle your sofa, bed or indeed yourself in a luxurious blanket. It ’s not just about warmth: a blanket or throw is the quickest way to change the look of a room, and this season there are many snug yet stylish options to be had, whether you prefer monochrome or wild colour.

German company Manufactum puts a focus on provenance: each of its products has a story behind it, told in detail on its website (manufactum.co.uk). In the blanke t depar tment, there are ombré designs woven in the French Alps, double-sided jacquard knits from nor thern Germany, and Bauhausinspired Norwegian lambswool throws that are as colourful as they are soft.

Closer to home, Melin Tregwynt (melintregwynt.co.uk) weaves all its blankets and fabrics at its Pembrokeshire mill, which has been owned by the same family since 1912. This heritage is revealed in designs inspired by traditional Welsh blankets and the surrounding countryside.

London-based Oyuna (oyuna.com) has a decidedly modern take, with 3D designs incorporating fancy fringing. Its founder, Mongolian designer Oyuna Tserendorj, works in wool, cotton and silk, but her speciality is Mongolian cashmere, which she says has a ‘special energy’ due to the beauty of the landscape. ‘Mongolia gets extremely cold, which makes the goats produce the finest and most durable hair,’ she adds. But those Steppe goats don’t come cheap: prices start at £349.

Yonder’s (yonderliving.com) vintage kantha quilts are hand-quilted from layers of vintage sari fabric by craftswomen in India’s rural north. ‘The textiles used are selected for their colours and nostalgic floral prints,’ says founder Sophia Leppard. ‘They look great layered over crisp white bed linen. Up close, the time and work given to each quilt is visible in every stitch.’

Main image Teva throw, £419, Oyuna (oyuna.com)