Haberdashery Heaven

I have recently been able to add to my stock of vintage French haberdashery which was running quite low. I now have plenty of metal braids, silver embroidery threads, gold & silver lamés and ribbons from the 1950s &60s and lots more to keep my crafty customers happy as their thoughts turn to sewing projects with the approach of Spring... And as I think I have mentioned before, I adore haberdashery, it is my idea of real treasure, so I do tend to over-indulge to make sure there is plenty left for my hoard!

Unused mid 19th century silk & gold thread brocatelle

This is an unused length of antique French silk & gold thread brocatelle, a warp-faced furnishing fabric resembling silk damask, it sometimes has the warp tensioned (as it does here) so the pattern appears slightly raised. It has a label attached where it has been assessed for auction at some point: 'Mid 19th century brocatelle with raised foliate gold urns. French for the Russian market' .

Tapestry of Venice after the Italian artist Lorenzo Delleani

During the middle of Winter, our thoughts often turn to exotic locations and travel plans. I like this large wallhanging a lot, I think it depicts a scene in Venice, a city I have never visited but would like to one day. It has been machine-woven in wool on a jacquard loom to resemble more expensive handwoven tapestries; it would have adorned the wall of a small French chateau or large house.

c1890-1900