THE SPIDER, 2 DRAGONFLIES AND A BIRD

I have long held a great distaste for most baby and childrens bed linen. I can't really stand the cutesy factor of Winnie The Pooh, or the pastel sea of cartoon character type illustrations. I've always longed for something more graphic, more detailed, more sophisticated. Ikea actually do some really great graphic prints, and Max has a number of simple sets from there in bold colours. Try finding something which isn't a) expensive, and b) sugary pink for a girl though, and I've run into some problems. So when the Etsuko Furuya range leapt out at me via Print and Pattern many months ago, I went into full on lust mode for these great prints. You may have noticed me mention them once or twice recently........

The prints are large scale. The pattern I've used here runs from selvedge to selvedge, and needs to be read over a large area. It's the Spider and Dragonfly pattern - nestled with leaf patterns top and bottom and the odd bird rummaging around in the undergrowth. To give you an idea of scale, the spider repeats every 60cm. I've used 1 yard (I bought the spider fabric in the US before I knew I could get it in Australia) of the Spider, and then done a back piece in a purple and duck egg blue dot pattern from the same range. I used 1 metre of the back fabric, and used the extra left over to make a buttonhole turn on the backside. I've very simply sewn up a sack which buttons at the bottom - during the spring and summer months it is weighty enough to be used as is, like a bed spread, and during the cooler months and when baby is older, a lightweight quilt can be inserted making it a quilt/doona/duvet cover.

And this goes beautifully with the two Kaishu stools I have for Petite 6.5st - a great mix of patterns. At some point I will also make some cushions for the chair in the alcove, which are from the same range, but with different patterns.

But for now, I think, my work is done. I can relax a little more, and go have that caramel brownie. We're ready little one - you can come out now.

Comments

[Nicole]

I wish I was little enough to lay under then cover. GREAT work Al, AGAIN! :)

[Marie]

The Spider and Dragonfly pattern is just beautiful, and I love how you paired it with the dotted fabric. I never would have thought of combining those colours, but it looks amazing. Inspired!

[Alex]

Alison, so not winnie-ish, I am delighted!

[stefana]

That looks breathtaking. I'd love to try something new like that for my coming baby.

[arc]

lovely! hope you're feeling okay..

[Jill]

I love it! You are creating such a calm and wonderful haven for your new little petite :) I love everything you've shown us that you've made. It must be so satisfying to dream and create with this wonderful purpose. Thinking of you as you wait :)

[Alicia A.]

Stunning. This will be one stylish tot!

[sally]

The duvet cover/quilt is just lovely!

[martha]

Perfect. In every way.

[carolyn]

wow i love those fabrics. but $30 per meter out of Oz is pretty steep. where did you find them in the US, i ask one a purely need to know basis ha ha ha ha.

[vegasandvenice]

This is the most beautiful baby bedding EVER! It is absolutely perfect (just like the little one who will be sleeping there soon).

[joleen]

wow this is beautiful!

[rebecca]

gorgeous!!!!!!!!! I am now lusting.

For the person who asked, PurlSoho.com does carry the above fabric. Among others.

[Bronwen]

I will miss your posts after the baby comes. I love your stuff!

[shannon]

Just lovely...although for someone who has (and sometimes still does) designed WTP prams, manchester and plastic eating stuff Im offended!!!

Im joking. I cant stand the cheesy little bear.

[hannah]

love the little quilt, I am looking to make a new duvet cover for my bed, I want one like that!!!

hope your little person comes out soon now you are all ready!!

[Jo]

As usual, just reeking of sophistication, yet so gorgeous for a baby girl. You are the style queen, my friend!

[monica]

I so agree with you. I have three boys so one side it's easy to avoid drowning in the sea of pink and lilac out there, on the other side there a serious lack of good fabric for boys.

With my first one I had a nighmare tring to find something 'nice' you know, cool and trendy that was simply beautiful, not girlish or boyish as I didn't know what I having. I did in the end find some fantastic checks in muted colour from Ikea. Not garish, but subtle and resting. Like a nursery should be. You're done a great job.

[Laura]

Gorgeous as always! The echino fabric is my new favorite, I have a yard of the purple with birds that I'm hoarding for something 'special'. how does it feel to be 'finished' with preparations?

[erin]

lovely! what the perfect thing for a little one to cuddle up to!

[austen]

I love that spider fabric...and what you've done with it. Beautiful!

[robyn]

I just *love* this collection of echino fabrics (they are all lurking in my studio waiting for projects...) - but never would have thought of putting them to use like this. Beautiful!

[kristen]

Just beautiful Alison. Your way with fabrics is so gorgeous.

[eireann]

oh, beautiful. I have a yard of that in my suitcase, just waiting for the right project.

[Tiel S-K]

I hate commercialism...esp for children. Hate hate hate it. This is lovely. You're the one spending the money, cleaning the linen and tucking baby in, so really it should be about the big person. Great taste.