Meet my newest obsession.
Matelasse: A weaving or stitching technique yielding a pattern that appears quilted or padded.
Pronounced mat-la-SAY.
Like my love for toile, I adored matelasse before I knew what it was. I didn’t know how to spell it let alone how to pronounce it. I just knew I wanted some in my house.
I’m working on adding some to my living room…but before I show you that, I want to show you a custom Etsy order I just finished.
Before Christmas I received an email from Rachel, who lives in Texas. She had seen my guest post on Miss Mustard Seed and inquired about having stockings made out of her own vintage linens. I always get a little nervous when a customer wants to send me their own fabric. What if I screw it up? Somehow cut it wrong? Spill my Diet Coke all over the place? There are any number of things that could lead to disaster.
I agreed though and the order was placed. I received a box from Rachel a few days before Christmas with a note saying to take my time. I always love it when a customer tells me that!
I stashed the box in my sewing room and didn’t open it until after the holidays. When I did, I found gorgeous linen pillowcases, some tatted linen and 2 incredible pieces of what was originally a matelasse coverlet.
I nearly passed out when I saw the matelasse. Gorgeous, vintagey goodness. I was able to get 6 stockings, a table runner and 6 mini stockings from the coverlet. (With a little left over that Rachel said I could keep.) I also made her 3 tea towels from the linen pillowcases.
The hours I spent completing this order were not only totally enjoyable, but very rewarding. Everything turned out just like I imagined and I didn’t cut anything wrong.
Whew.
After I shipped off Rachel’s order, I dove into re-stocking my Etsy shop. I should have new things listed in a few days. More grain sack pieces, things for Valentine’s Day and some pillow covers made from vintage, French fabric. I’ll be back in a day or so with a feature on my newest sponsor, Sharon from Mrs. Hines Class.
Oh my gosh – so sweet! (as in newborn baby sweet!) Thanks for posting this! I’m always looking for new ideas :)
Simply beautiful Ann!
Congratulations. You have done a brilliant job, Ann – truly beautiful fabrics.
I am so very happy for you.
One of my favorite things in my master bedroom is my queen size Matelasse duvet cover – practically had to get a second mortgage to buy it many years ago, but love it!
Keep up the good work!
Ann, your handiwork is lovely in these items! I love matelasse and old linens. There used to be a small shop in Lebanon, which is only 15 minutes from me, whose name was “Maddie Lissee,” Such a fun play on the word! :-)
Those are truly beautiful.
Oh Ann, you have the same obsession I do as well! I adore Matelasse… always have! I cannot pass up anything made of this fabulous material!!! You are a master at your craft. Each piece is just a work of art!!!! BEAUTIFUL… BEAUTIFUL!
Oh Ann! This post is lovely. I sent it to all of my friends to show them your work and our now-famous stockings! To everyone hoarding fabric or heirlooms(like I was!), please make the jump and send them to Ann. She is so talented.
We currently have two children, but are adopting two more from Honduras. The wait for this process has been excruciating. I decided to treat myself and have these new heirlooms made for my family. It was so worth it. I had tears in my eyes when I thought about all of our children using the stockings.
Anywhoo- I cannot recommend Ann enough. Thank you for using your talent to put beauty into our lives.
Just beautiful Ann! I have been collecting vintage matelasse for awhile and cut some to make stockings this year too! I know exactly how stressful it is but even more so to cut up someone else’s fabric! They turned out beautifully!
The stockings are beautiful. I don’t have any vintage matelasse, but have used new white matelasse coverlets on my daughter’s bed for many years. I find it so simple and elegant, just like those beautiful stockings!
Oh Ann, everything is impeccable and beautiful. You are so talented. I love the matelasse fabric… and those tea towels! How pleased Rachel will be!!
Those are beautiful! The first time I ever saw someone use matelasse for something other than bedding was probably 20 years ago. A friend of mine slip covered a wing back chair and it was beautiful. In my mind, she’s one of those people who is just brilliant at mixing old and new. That combination is an art form and makes a home so much prettier than all new.
Very pretty. I love all things white and vintagey (?). Thanks for sharing.
So, so pretty! I had no idea what it looked like so glad you have so many good shots! Now I know what to look for when picking:)
Those stockings are just beautiful!! I don’t blame you for loving matlesse. Who wouldn’t? I’m sure Rachel was over the moon happy with everything you did.
The matelasse is beautiful paired with the vintage lace.
Absolutely beautiful I love it too!
Ann, your work is so lovely. We share many loves in the vintage fabrics we treasure. I have a set of matelesse’ slipcovers for my living room – sofa, chair, ottoman and wing chair. I love using them during the holidays. BUT the loveseat cover is waiting to be used for some very special projects since I have given up my penchant for love seats. When my daughter was married I made a large suitcase style box for her wedding gown to be stored. It was covered with matelasse’, lined with chintz and bound with white grosgrain ribbons for straps. It continues to be a special accent in her home. Thank you for giving us such a lovely blog.
I never knew how to pronounce matelasse either! Thanks! That said, your creations with your client’s fabric are absolutely gorgeous, beyond beautiful. I so admire how you took on the task, even with your worries. And enjoyed every minute of it. We all need to give ourselves that little push when we fear something…the outcome can be wonderful!
XO,
Jane
I’m a matelasse lover too. Quilts/coverlets made of matelasse are the perfect weight for year-round use here in Florida so I’ve used them on our beds for years. It’s a very easy-to-care-for fabric and a little more “elegant” than twill or duck so I also chose to have slipcovers made out of white matelasse for the sofa and loveseat in my living room. Six years and many washings later, they still look beautiful.
These items you made for Rachel are just exquisite! Gorgeous! I know she will treasure them forever.
The table runner got me to thinking… Based on your sewing experience, how do you think matelasse would work for placemats? Do you make placemats?
Ann, all the items you were able to make out of the matelasse are just gorgeous!
Mary Alice
These pieces you sewed are gorgeous Ann. I have several matelasse coverlets and have sold many as well. I have one the dog poked a hole in. Now you have me thinking about what you could do with it. If you were to ever spill on one email me because I buy them stained all the time and clean them myself and get them white again. xo, olive
Wow Ann, I just love what you’ve created with her beautiful vintage fabrics and linens. The lace trims are 2die4.
You’ve done a wonderful job for your client and I know she is going to love everything.
hugs
Sissie
Just gorgeous and beautifully hand-crafted! I must admit: I’m feeling a bit intimidated my friend …
:) Linda
Absolutely gorgeous!!!
Oh my gosh! They are gorgeous! I have a pale green coverlet on my bed I purchased several years ago. I had know idea that is what the material was called. I love it dearly! Thank you for posting these pictures and now I know what I have, too!
I have always loved Matelasse. So pretty. I look forward to seeing what you’re making for Valentine’s Day!
Beautiful, Ann! Matelasse is a favorite of mine…can’t pronounce it, but I know what I like! ;)
Ann you work is impeccable!! these are all so lovely. what a lucky lady to have recieved her vintage linens back in such a decorative and useable manner. Love them. I too, Love matelasse!
Great job!
xo Kathysue
I love these stockings Ann. I know someone who had two chair slip covers made from matelasse bedspreads. Most beautiful slip covers!
I have a few coverlets and switch between those and quilts.
So beautiful! Both the matelasse & your incredible work!
Way to BE BOLD!
And how exquisite it all turned out! So glad you didn’t spill your diet coke.
I too love Matelasse and these stocking are gorgeous…you did an wonderful job!
Matelasse is one of my favorites. Never get tired of it. You did beautiful work. Looking forward to seeing your Etsy shop.
Your work is gorgeous Ann! She is one lucky lady to have those pieces coming her way. I love matelasse too and when I won a gift certificate from a work function a number of years ago I chose an ivory king matelasse (they didn’t have white in stock.) Love it and use it to this day. Just recently I found a twin matelasse coverlet in brand new condition at the thrift store of all places. It is freshly washed and just waiting for me to find a twin bed for our guest bedroom suite.
Those are INCREDIBLE!
Brenda
What gorgeous things you made from the fabric and old pillow cases. I love them all. I have a matlasse coverlet which is narrower than a bed so must have been for a single bed or chaise. It is an antique and one end has a repair patch and a small tear in the edge. I have wondered about making something from it and now you’ve given me the inspiration to make pillow covers and/or a table runner. I have old lace edging I could use. My problem is – I don’t sew much. However I may just try this as it would be simple straight edges. I’ll let you know if I ever get around to it. Pamela
Oh my goodness, they’re beautiful! Your craftsmanship is impeccable and the design is, well, divine! I can only imagine how thrilled she is with the finished product. I know that I would be! xo, Kimberly
I can totally relate to fearing cutting the fabric wrong. It has caused me to postpone many a sewing projects. I’m so glad you agreed to take that order though. The fabric is gorgeous. And the stockings turned out beautifully. My Mom would LOVE those tea towels. She just loves vintage tea towels. Can’t wait to see what’s coming in your Etsy shop!
Gorgeous, Ann! Such beautiful fabric and you did a great job on those stockings. I love how you did the different cuffs, too.
Gorgeous Ann, you are such a talent!!!
Cynthia
Oh my these stockings are just gorgeous Ann! I have always loved anything matelasse, but I never would of thought of making stockings out of this fabric. Great job
Love the all white! After seeing your beautiful things I was sad to remember that I’ve given away some tatted and laced linens because I didn’t know how to re-purpose them into something so lovely.
What gorgeous fabrics to work with! You are amazing, lady! The stockings are adorable and the tea towels and runners are no doubt out of this world beautiful!
Have a fabulous weekend, Cindy
That is lovely, Ann.
Wow Ann, beautiful work and that fabric is amazing. I love matelasse and toile too. Your customer must be very happy.
My mouth dropped open when I saw those stocking – so so so beautiful! I’ve always loved matelasse (but actually never knew how to say it – so thanks) and would love to find some at a thrift shop. By the way, I noticed you don’t have any ‘Bon Appetit” tea towels and thought it would be very fitting words to put on one as I assume most people would use a tea towel in the kitchen. I keep going and looking at your Etsy shop and one day I’ll get something with some birthday money.
Ann, those stocking that you made for Rachel are exquisite! I could kick myself from here to China for selling a matelasse coverlet that I had years ago. DANG!
Oh my goodness. This is amazing. I bet Rachel was over the moon when she got her things. So gorgeous!
Thanks for the great and beautiful ideals.