Wowzers, 2018 is nearly coming to an end and what a year it's been at Fabrics Galore from the highs of reaching 10k followers on Instagram to the lows of Paul’s Ugly Shirt Challenge. We have been busy going to 16 different shows throughout the year.
A YEAR PACKED WITH EXCITING FABRIC DESIGNS
The plain soft furnishing has been a real hit, with us re-ordering a few times over the year as well as expanding the range so that it includes a beautiful bright coral colour. These obviously worked during the summer, when we were enjoying that fantastic long heatwave but now as that seems like a distant memory the darker colours like the classic navy are proving just as popular.
2018 will also be remembered as the year of Frida Kahlo, already a shop favourite and an icon with the V&A Making Her Self Up exhibition running and then being extended, she has become even more popular. In case you missed the exhibition but fancy reading up on her life we wrote a blog about her too. Although Frida’s Garden in cream sold out, we still have a few left including another staff favourite Frida’s Cactus Flower in Red.
FAMED FOR FLORAL & GRAPHIC FABRIC PRINTS
The timeless nature of Liberty prints is shown in the fact that they are still produced and just as popular today. Here’s a look at some of their most famous designs…
HERA
This print, which comes in several colours, was designed in 1887, one of the oldest Liberty designs which is still in production. It is Liberty’s iconic peacock feather. Birds were hugely popular motifs in the Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th century. It is called Hera after the Greek goddess who is associated with the peacock.
IANTHE
Another trademark Liberty print which was concocted by French Art Noveau designer, R. Beauclair, at the turn of the century. It has since been slightly altered but retains the huge Art Nouveau influence. Ianthe is the Greek God of violets, so one may infer that the original designs was based on violets. The print was revived by Liberty later in the 20th century and brought back into production and has since become a print they are deeply associated with. This design also went on to influence Liberty’s Iphis print.
MICHELLE
This floral is a slightly later addition to Liberty’s huge collection of prints. It was developed from an archive design dated 1933 by an artist who had drawn other prints for the house. It is a typical Liberty floral, delicate and detailed with vivid colours. You can order the Michelle Liberty Art fabric online.
LORD PAISLEY
This ornate paisley print was based on a scarf from the 1950s. Liberty redesigned it in house for the Spring/Summer of 2007.
Take a closer look at the Lord Paisley Red Liberty Art fabric from above.
Fabrics Galore also stocks this beautiful Blues Lord Paisley fabric from Liberty.
FAMOUS COLLABORATIONS
Liberty has always collaborated with brilliant people to create even more brilliant designs. Most famously they took on William Morris, whose name is now interwoven with Liberty’s history. One of the most famous prints to come from this collaboration was Strawberry Thief. This print was designed in 1883 by Morris, part of a large group of designs which feature animals and flowers, both popular motifs in the Arts and Crafts Movement which Morris was heavily involved with.
Make sure to browse the freshly updated Liberty fabrics collection!
Since they have collaborated with everyone from Vivienne Westwood and House of Hackney to Hello Kitty, and most recently they launched a sleepwear collection with singer-songwriter Florence Welch! Liberty is a company with a rich history, whose legacy continues to thrill and excite people not only in Britain, but all over the world.
Fabrics Galore can cater to all your dressmaking and quilting needs when you visit our online fabric shop.
