Sunday, September 13, 2009

Vintage, Shake It Up and Have some Fun...


Lets talk about Buttons, Trims and Ribbons. Have you ever thought about incorporating old with new? You could go crazy with the antique buttons, sewn onto curtain valances or used as the artistic focal point on a newly sewn up pillow, duvet or pillowcase. I like to think of the charm of a beautiful Cloth Bag/Tote with a fabulous antique button maybe mixed with a bit of vintage ribbon and trim. You could also trim a skirt with vintage buttons and/or trim. Don't forget home design projects such as a newly upholstered ottoman or hassock, they would be terrific and very special with some vintage trims, tassels or even buttons. Yes, the possibilities are endless.

These past few days I was lucky enough to shop at the mega antique sale in Brimfield, Massachusetts. I was treated to booths filled with vintage and antique ribbons, buttons and loads of trim. It was so fun to think of all of the ways these items could be used with the vintage style and textured fabrics that we carry at Mary Jo's Cloth Store and on our website. We have many fabrics with patterns, colors and textures that seem as if they tumbled out of the fabric mill in 1880, 1930, 1950 and beyond. Do you or someone you know (or maybe even related to) have a vintage collection of Buttons, Ribbons and Trims that you could use in these types of projects? If not, a quick trip to your local Antique mall or Flea Market will yield a beautiful bounty of these items that often times are yours for very little cash.
The trick is to have your components ready for a project like this. First step find the buttons or trim you would like to use. Second, log onto Maryjos.com and cruise around for fabric that enhances the era of your special buttons or trim. Third step, create it and take a photograph. We would love to share your creation with the Mary Jo Cloth Community. We may feature it on this blog or on the website in the Community section.
Get to stitching, we cannot wait to see your beautiful and inspired work.

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