spots + stripes

two things that figure in my fabric collection are spots and stripes, (and the combination of both...) and they come in all manner of colour and size. It is a simple design element, a dot or a line, but it is this minimal factor that i'm always returning to and utilizing. Perhaps as a child it was hearing mum get excited over a "hail spot voile'"or "pin stripe crisp cotton", that sparked my growing enthusiasm and generated a life-long fascination with all things fabric/craft related. I come from a family of stitchers, (sewing/knitting/crocheting/quilting...) and with that has come 'the knowledge'. Not necessarily expertise, (can't put a zip in to save myself) but i know fabric. I mean, how many people know what clydella is these days! Or Vyella for that matter. I remember going with mum to Buckley's to buy vyella to make shirts for us girls and possibly a piece of liberty for something special, something 'for good'! And now my sister Gina and i can rave for hours over an old floral apron or a piece of plaid, and of course, lovely spots and stripes. I like the way they work together or provide contrast with something more flowery or complicated. I like their uniformity, and the way colours becomes muted at a distance. Very useful. I have favourites (above and below).

And then i put them together. As i often say: you can never have enough...spots + stripes.