...prowling through one of the most fabulous vintage Provençal fabric shops in all of Provence, if not all of France... la Boutique de Francine in Isle sur la Sorgue is a thrilling find to those of us who adore the gently worn and immensely appealing look and feel of these beautiful, venerable old textiles.
Madame's shop is huge, a storefront which at first glance looks pretty modest and unassuming. Once you enter, you are captivated by the sheer volume of fabrics, arrayed by type and color, and punctuated by antique glass and housewares.
Linger long enough and you will find...nearly hidden between huge shelves bulging with bolts... a small doorway that leads to an enormous warehouse in back, packed to the rafters with vintage fabrics, linens, quilts, bolts, pillow cover, clothing. Madame has spent a lifetime amassing an enormous collection... much to the delight of our designing hearts!
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| this little area holds some delightful toiles de jouy, some made into small pillows |
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| even a small fragment of this stunning antique jacquard is frame-worthy |
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| this little pillow is made to showcase a wonderful fragment of 18th C. toile de jouy |
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| beautiful old quilts, laundered and folded are casually displayed in the shop and welcome your touch... aren't they inviting? |
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| every here and there Madame breaks up the oceans of fabrics with lovely antique glassware, dishes and household things from bygone eras |
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| ribbons and trims are everywhere! |
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| vintage night gowns in cottons and linens |
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| antique hand made lace crocheted and tatted |
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| lovely sight in the back warehouse room, old basket next to stacks and stacks of vintage linens of every size |
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| these old fabrics have been over dyed in modern colors to a wonderful, fresh effect! |
These books below will help you make great use of these wonderful old French fabrics (and even give suggestions on where to find fabrics that just look old & French) and are great gifts for your Provence-loving friends or for a special someone who loves to sew and craft beautiful things...perfect! Enjoy!
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| for inspiration in how to use these wonderful fabrics, try Kaari Meng's gorgeous books... this one is French General Home Sewn, available HERE |
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| another French General book, try Kaari Meng's gorgeous books... this one is Treasured Notions, available HERE |
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| and Kaari Meng's signature book complete with inspiration and practical advice and tools... this one is The French-Inspired Home, available HERE |
Come with us next time!
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| for info click HERE |
