There are times when you know you’ve found a kindred spirit in the online world. With all of the negative things that come with social media and the internet, that is one of the best things. You can find people from all over the globe who love the things you love. Such was the case with Rachel of Stitch & Fable, an antique textile business based in Leicestershire, England.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I love antique and vintage textiles.
Just a bit.
And I also enjoy projects that require me to slow down, work with my hands, and have something beautiful to show for that time and work. I’m not a great seamstress and am probably too impatient to ever produce anything that would be a stellar example of needlework, but I enjoy it.
So, when I found Stitch & Fable on Instagram, I was instantly drawn to Rachel and the bundles of vintage & antique fabrics she sells.
Each bundle is carefully curated so the colors and patterns coordinate and, I can say from experience, that it’s just delightful to go through the pile and imagine the possible projects. The fabrics I received were a mixture of breezy cottons, thick canvas, and woven florals.
It’s also fun to guess how these fabrics were once used. I imagine this exquisitely embroidered remnant might’ve been a bedspread earlier in life.
Of course, I am partial to the indigo-dyes calicos and homespun checks.
All of the limited edition fabric bundles come with small, medium, and large fabric remnants, giving a variety of project options.
In addition to the fabric bundles, Stitch & Fable sells ephemera packs, antiqued ribbons, slow stitch kits, bundles of antique lace, and even hearts made out of antique fabrics. Everything is so beautifully and thoughtfully curated, packaged, and presented.
So, what do you do with bundles of fabric remnants? Well, someone such as myself doesn’t really *need* a reason, but it is nice to purchase things with some intention and purpose. Of course, they are wonderful for small sewing projects, but they can also be used in sketchbooks, journals, and other art projects. I’m not exactly sure how I’ll use my bits and pieces, yet, but I love the idea of figuring it out. When I see old things made from little bits of fabric, likely all the maker had on hand, there is a resourcefulness and fortitude about it that I admire. I’ve always kept a scrap box for that reason. Some fabrics, no matter how small, are too just good to throw out and can still be used to make beautiful things.
You can follow Stitch & Fable on Instagram HERE and shop the online store HERE. They offer free worldwide shipping, too!
You can find some projects I’ve shared that would be well-suited for fabric bundles …
rice & lavender hot/cold pack tutorial
4 Responses
I just recently discovered Stitch and Fable! Her combinations of fabrics are beautiful and inspiring! I can’t wait to order a treat from her shop soon!
I have never sewn with used antique fabrics for fear it would have a nasty smell (you never know how it has 1been stored) or it would the fibers would break down due to its age. So many of what I sew I give away so must be very careful that those two things do not happen. But your bundle looks nice I too love blues ! You are certainly making ery good ‘progress with your new home !
My go to is Lisa Mattock at Forage. She also sells beautiful bundles of fabrics, notions etc. my dream is to go on one of her antique fabric buying trips to Paris. I took her slow stitching online course and I loved every minute of it. I no longer feel like I have to be a professional stitcher. I really enjoy the process.
I love to sew and using vintage lace, fabrics and buttons makes the piece even more special. It is hard to toss those small bits even from a cut up quilt. She does have some beautiful bundles – perfect for little zip bags and journaling.