Bells Pulls are on the up!

c 1920 Griffin Needlepoint Bell Pull

I have been able to source quite a number of different bell pulls in recent months, mostly in wool needlepoint, and some fine silk cross-stitch, all hand-made with bronze fitments and bells. These are becoming increasingly popular especially in the US - and I think it is because it evokes memories of times past, even though we all know there is not an iota of a chance of anyone coming running when the bell is pulled!

This Griffin rampant design is very classic, with lovely green and gold hues, with its heraldic style it appeals to both men and women, unlike some of the more typical floral designs that are commonly available. Apart from the sheer work it represents in terms of time, it looks perfect just to the side of the chimney breast, as though it was left from earlier days!

If this was a fabric...

We recently went to see the Olympics at the Olympic Park where we had a chance to enjoy the atmosphere and watch the games. It was a great day with a huge amount of things to do and see. 

One of the most wonderful aspects however was the landscaping and I thought I would share this photo of a bank of gorgeous plants all flowering together. The clever and stunning planting of large drifts of prairie and meadow flowers giving huge sweeps of colour which on a smaller scale might be viewed as gaudy. 

 All I kept thinking was, if this was a fabric...

Beautiful Victorian Bead-work

Beautiful Victorian Bead-work panel

Just a quick share of this elegant bead-work panel dating from the 19th C with beautiful leaves entwining lovely lifelike twigs, it really is the most delightful and intricate piece. The work involved is astounding! And a long panel too, with just the last piece at the bottom unfinished.

Beautiful Petit Point Work, c 1900 French - of course!

Beautiful petit point work, French c. 1900

This is a stunning piece of needlepoint, the whole of the centre piece is done in petit point, really close work, and that takes a huge amount of time and patience - as well as good eyesight. The colours are glorious, so summery with the sky blue background setting the flowers at their best almost like tropical butterflies. It is actually a cushion seat at the moment, and being worked in such small stitches it has no signs of wear at all, despite the age.

If you were to cost out the hours taken for a piece of this calibre you would pay hundreds of pounds for it, however that is not the way of the world and it is for sale for a lot less than that! It could be made into a different shaped cushion as there is plenty of background to work with. Gorgeous piece.

Below are roses flowering freely, you can see the old fashioned roses in the needlepoint design

Imagine this in your home!

Variegate di Bologna - inspiring roses!

Heady scent and vibrant colour of Duc de Guiche

Beautiful Birds and Bulrushes

This is one of my favourite fabrics, the detail is incredible, beautiful finches and rushes, insects and flowers all in a soft shell pink and ivory on a moss green background. The fabric is cotton, but a heavy serge cotton like canvas almost, just lovely. The fabric is on a pair of large French pleated curtains with the prettiest tops, rosettes where the pleat is, if only I had a room that needed yet more curtains!!