Embroidered Fabrics

Someone politely mentioned that I haven't posted in a while.

And when I start posting again (love the positive attitude) could I write about design rather than my garden or the dog? (positive attitude aside, everyone is a critic...)

The dog is adorable. She will, from time to time, make an appearance.

 

Pumpkin loves to help out in the garden. Her primary duty is "checking" the chipmunk tunnels.

Summer only comes once a year. The garden will, from time to time, appear in the blog.

the nasturtiums have just come into their own. their round leaves are unique in the plant world and help fulfill a gardener's quest to have a variety of leaf shapes, colors and textures. Plus they're easy to grow from seed.

I love how the dew collects on the round leaves. Big drops, misty little ones. And some of them "hang" on the edges. 

However, my take on design is the real reason for the blog. So, taking a cue from the dew drops in my garden:


"Drop-like" embroidered French knots in Oscar de la Renta's fabric, Abyssinia, for Lee Jofa.
The texture and 3D effect of the embroidery on the linen ground, the colors, the ethnic pattern,
plus the hand worked effect all make for one gorgeous fabric.
The embroidery is rayon and has a little bit of shine. But tastefully so.



 Abyssinia would be stunning as an ottoman or a foot quilt for the bed. Add a couple silk tpillows in beautiful Cadet Blue Sargent Silk Taffeta (left), full length drapes in "Maxine Linen Paisley" from Schumacher and the ribbed Maya Romanoff wall cover. 

More French knots:

undulating waves of  French knots embroidered on linen, "Spot On" from kravet couture. a completely different look from Abyssinia: less ethnic,  more sophisticated but still has that  "hand worked" touch and great texture.



An embroidered piece is an excellent way to bring the unexpected along with texture and a hand crafted element to a room. An accent, like one or two throw pillows, is large enough to be noticeable and interesting. Too much and it is no longer unique. A little does a lot.

Take my garden wall for example, specifically the rock in the lower right. I love its grainy, almost fossil-like exterior. If every rock in my wall were like this one, it would be boring. It stands out and we appreciate the texture and shape because it is unique.



love the rock. about the only element in my garden that is on trend design-wise, a hosta with chartreuse leaves.

Bottom line: beautiful rooms and gardens sport a mix of textures and one or two totally unexpected elements.

Do you love embroidery? How about the ethnic look of the first fabric, Abyssinia? Or does the more  subtle Spot On have more appeal? Can you envision an embroidered accent in your home?

Thanks for reading,
Linda Pakravan


if you'd love to have a home with great texture and a little embroidery that you love coming home to, contact me!

all photos in this post by Linda Pakravan