Building a Modern Trousseau, By Hand and By Collecting
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 12:46PM I have just added a new class to the fall schedule over at Patchwork, the sweetest little fabric shop in Soho. Titled Modern Trousseau, this class will cover the basic embroidery stitches and techniques needed to embellish linens with your very own monogram. Templates for vintage and original monogram designs from my own library will be made available, but I encourage participants to bring in their own tears, ideas, sketches, and samples and love helping to develop custom insignias. The class will be held in three sessions: October 1st, 8th, and 15th, from 7:15-9:15. Call 212 420-8798 to register.
This is my own monogram, and an example of what will be covered in this class. I wanted something non-traditional that would work with my table setting (below), which is a combination of my wedding china, Villeroy & Boch's "Wonderful World", plus random vintage finds that have something involving butterflies and insects, like the hand-painted Limoges plate below. The Wonderful World stuff is discontinued, so I stocked up on a bunch of different colors that mix and match nicely. Limoges Butterfly, on the other hand, is ridiculous. Its hand painted and fabulous and hard to find. It will likely take me a lifetime to collect a dozen or so pieces ( I am also obsessed with the gold rimmed tea cups, also by Limoges spotted on OH JOY, seen below), but oh, the thrill. orange wildflower-print fabric is from my "Lightning Bugs" line. I am newly obsessed with the torn, then frayed edges of these napkins, which is soooo easy to do.....
My favorite spot to look for Limoges online is the Atlanta Antique Gallery, where this recent listing for a beautiful tea set with honeybees in gold caught my eye.
The next picture is of my husband, equally thrilled at the idea of spending the day combing Vermont second-hand stores. He was completely adorable when we picked out our china, unwaveringly supportive regarding my obsession with bugs and butterflies, but draws the line at antiquing and opts to catch up on some sleep in the car. And I know what you are wondering: what is that car? Its the same getaway car from our wedding, compliments of our good friends Michael and Uli Belenky, who also happen to be the owners of everyones favorite baby clothing brand, Zutano. Michael restored the car, the colors are custom, of course.
Reader Comments (10)
Maybe you need to take up china painting. Or, you could do some of the cool transfer stuff. Not as a suggestion to replace what you have, but to complement it.
I love the style and colors of your monogram! It really works perfectly with your place settings. I have just a basic Signet Gold by Wedgwood and would love to have something to really punch it up a bit, since it's so simple. OK, I guess I should call it "classic" lest my husband be offended. LOL!
One more reason to want to learn embroidery...those are perfect with your china. Divine!
That monogram is so lovely.. I wish I was still in NYC..
I would sign up for that class in a second! XO
I would love to take that class. And I would be in a heart beat if I lived in NYC. I too have a thing for bugs, beetles, and such.
I wanted something patterned and fancy, but have found that by having bright solid colors (or even white in some cases) I can mix it with linens made from crazy patterned textiles for casual settings and change it every time stains appear....
That R is spectacular!!
I'm so excited that you finally have a blog! I'm a huge fan - just bought your whole Mendocino line, and can't wait for it to arrive. Keep up the stunning creativity!
That car could use some mermaid throw pillows!
Not to be nit-picky (is that a word?), but couldn't you have color-coordinated the husband with the car?
I'm thinking a burnt-orange sweatshirt and more of a silver gray for the pants and hat.
The goatee is so 2002, but I guess you have to work with what you have! ;)
I know Dad, but he looks twelve without it. Besides, you kept your mustache well after it was cool. Imagine the pain. All of the other girls telling me that my dad looked like Magnum PI.