The Fabric I Use, Part 4 - Plains and Solids

Oakshott is a family business run by Michael and Rose Oakshott supplying quilters, sewers and textile artists the world over since 2003. They supply the best solid fabric I know.

The fabric is shot, so that there are different warp and weft colours running through each piece.  This gives wonderful shimmering colour and a shine that is very attractive.  The quality of the fabric is just lovely, great to cut and brilliant to stitch.  I use Oakshott fabrics for my frogs, birds and now a new fox. It takes embroidery really very well and the weave is such that you can carry threads well.

The only problem I have with Oakshott is they are not cheap but you get what you pay for and the colours speak for themselves.  Have a peep at www.oakshottfabrics.com for a great range of solids.

Of course these are not the only solids available but the colours are the best by a long shot.  Kaffe Fassett does a very good range of shot cottons in a light weight with great colours but they are getting harder to find now as this is an old range.  I also like Moda Grunge, just a little texture patterning makes a great mouse!

Isolde, A Rag Doll in Liberty Lawn

Isolde is an Ida Doll standing nine inches tall with a hand embroidered and hand painted face.  She has glorious red hair that is stitched into place and given a curly style.

She is dressed in a Liberty Lawn called Ros with pretty spring violas all over in a fetching pink and lilac.  She has lavender in her stuffing and a rose quartz at her core for love & warmth.  She is finished with tiny buttons, leather shoes and a pink embroidered lavender sachet.

I paint all their faces and I am following the same pattern but no two are ever the same.  Tiny variations on such a small scale make a huge difference but I think this little lady has a warm gentle smile and would make a lovely companion for someone.