Recently in my Quilt Market recap post I gave you a sneak peek of my new line with RJR Fabrics, the Vintage Made Modern Centennial Celebration. Today I want to share with you the story behind the collection.
In 2010 I published my book Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion, and Fun. Vintage Notions was the culmination of a personal journey that started twenty years ago when I began collecting rare sewing and needle arts books, vintage home arts magazines, and cookbooks. I reached a pivotal point in my collecting when I came across the work and wisdom of Mary Brooks Picken, who was a pioneer in the domestic arts and international authority on dressmaking and fashion. Mary’s calling, which resonated so deeply with me, was to educate women, encourage their entrepreneurial spirit, and elevate the value of their work.
Vintage Notions featured all original artwork that was published by the Woman’s Institute. I love these illustrations and thought they would be perfect for a fabric line. I approached RJR with the idea and they were just as excited as I was to bring this vintage style to the modern sewist – the time seemed especially appropriate because 2016 will be the 100 year anniversary of the founding of the Woman’s Institute. I’m glad to keep their work alive so many years later.
When I chose the artwork for the fabric line, I looked through my collection and chose the images that I thought were the most timeless. The dressmaker print is the focus of the line. This large scale print is perfect for a project that shows off the fabric like our Sixties Smock or Banded Baskets.
The notions print is one of my favorites. I love to see it used in accessories used in the sewing room, but it also looks great in utilitarian garments like the Crossback Reversible Apron. The accessories print is fun in a similar way – it’s perfect to use in a purse. In fact, RJR will be offering a kit of our Petite Stitched Purse in the accessories toss.
I really wanted to create some great coordinating prints to complement the illustrated fabrics. The small prints like the buttons, grid dot and dictionary are fabulous to use as linings or to pair with the larger prints in a quilt. My favorite of these though is definitely the plaid. I love the plaid on it’s own in garments (look how cute it is in the Urban Tunic and the Sidekick Wrap Skirt) or paired with the other prints as you see in the Bedtime Boots.
Vintage Made Modern will be released in September, check out the full selection of prints on RJR Fabrics, and to read more about how I chose the colors check out my post on the Indygo Junction blog. I can’t wait to see all the great projects that will be made with it. If you love the artwork as much as I do, see more in my book Vintage Notions. Don’t forget to ask your local quilt store to get in Vintage Made Modern!
