The Creative World of the Crazy Haberdasher

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Hello All,

Recently, the kind ladies at  Back Door Quilts gave us all an opportunity to experience a bit of the Downton Abbey magic. They hosted a lovely tea that  Lady Grantham would have been proud to attend. 

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They also invited us to step back in time and come dressed in vintage styles popular at the turn of the century and worn by  the characters of the PBS hit series, Downton Abbey.  

My Assistant, Jody-my Mom,Debbie- and good friend, Cathy

I was very honored to be asked to speak during the tea.  I have known Linda and Teri, the owners of the Back

Kevin and me with our lovely hostesses,  Linda and Teri

Door, since I was eleven. We won't discuss how many years that has been. Let’s just say, a lot! They have always been so supportive and  they gave me one of my first teaching jobs at the tender age of sixteen. 

I presented a crazy quilt block that I made using the new
Downton Abbey fabrics. They have become so popular! 

The crazy quilt inspired by the Downton Abbey fabrics

I wanted to reflect a vintage feel while making this piece. My choices of stitches,trims and buttons emphasized that style. If you want to see more of the Downton Abbey inspired  fabrics ,the full line is available at the Back Door . 

I also shared some information about the customs and habits in vogue during this period. The gentlemen and

Kevin and me Looking every bit the English gentlemen

gentlewomen had such elegance and grace.  Their homes and lifestyle were on such a grand scale, I find it fascinating.  

   

Most of the attendees got into the spirit of the day and
dressed in vintage costumes from various Downton Abbey time periods. Everyone looked fabulous and some even pulled
true antique pieces out of grandma's cedar chest, to complete their looks. 

Doesn't everyone look fantastic?!

Robin Brown Looking stylish in her vintage hat.

It was enjoyable wandering through times gone by for just a little while, and bringing a little of the Downton Abbey elegance to Indy.

Debbie, Jody, Me,  Kevin and Cathy

Much thanks to Linda and Teri for providing such a charming backdrop!

Right now, I am hard at work preparing for my trip to Ireland. For those of you joining me on this journey, see you very soon. Not to worry if you aren't making the trip though, I will be posting tale of our adventures upon my return.

Tata for now!

Brian

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Hello Everyone,

Today, I would like to share a project with you that has been a “labor of love” for me.

Since my main focus on the blog has been about quilting and fabric design, some of you may not know that I am also an interior decorator. Over the past eighteen years I have had the pleasure of working with many wonderful clients. It has been gratifying for me to help them realize their vision of what will make their homes beautiful and unique.   

Recently, I had the  happy opportunity to be able to do this for my parents, in their new home.  Their dream home has lots of room with high ceilings and  plenty of gathering space for the family. Oh, and a big garage for my dad.  

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I wanted this part of the living space to  resemble an old early american tavern.

Over the years, my parents have collected many wonderful antiques and interesting pieces. One of my biggest challenges has been deciding which pieces from the treasure trove of goodies, I would use in my design.  This was difficult at times because I have fond memories of so many of them.

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  My parents like the authentic colonial style and lean towards that when decorating. My mother also has a very soft spot in her heart for the white-on-cream shabby chic look, so I tried hard to combine the two.

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This is a closer look at one of the urns

Here are Jody, mom and dad enjoying the new house

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I added a few pops of color to this shabby chic parlor, but the furnishings still hold true to the colonial style that suits this gathering spot so well. I wanted to showcase the high ceilings and sunny openness of this room without losing any of the coziness.

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This little niche was the perfect place to put one of my mom's favorite paintings.

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Dad's desk. Yes, those legs are made of cast iron.

Yes, these units were VERY heavy!

This wall was bit of a problem area because of it's width and placement in the room. I worked around this by using a small antique chest and added height by going up from there. Isn't the small Windsor chair adorable!

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What colonial home would be complete without pewter dishes.