The colours of the changing seasons have always informed my fabric choices“
For the past four years, I made do with a paved courtyard garden. Living less than five minutes’ walk from the beach – and working for around 12 hours a day – made that a sensible option. But now I’ve moved to a 200-year old brick and flint property with a small but perfectly formed cottage garden, I realise what I’ve been missing.
Inspiration on my doorstep
I’ve always been inspired by nature. The colours of the changing seasons, soaked up on long walks through the wide-open countryside and sweeping coastline, have informed my fabric choices. The shades of the landscape are reflected in the very fibres of the tweeds I adore as a first choice for my Charlie’s Aunt sewing pattern samples.
But now, just looking out of the door of my new studio provides a myriad of inspiring colours. I can’t take credit for it as the planting scheme was purely down to the previous owners. When we put the offer in on the property in January, the garden was bare save for the odd bit of ever-greenery. By the time we moved in late May, it was awash with colours emerging from all corners. Now the trick is to manage and perpetuate the spectacle for future seasons.
Purple haze
The first plant to greet me as I exit the doors from my studio out to the back garden is lavender, filling a raised bed. This is a wonderful flower for attracting bees and the purple is a shade that can’t easily be emulated with modern dyes. Purple was my lovely sister’s favourite colour so it always reminds me of her. The flowers have also prompted me to batch dye some more of my vintage lace appliques in readiness for the soon-to-be-released new purse kits I’ve been working on.
I also made a Lavenham Beret in a combination of British cotton velvet and wool tweed. This will match a new bag sample and feature in styled shots for a pattern I’ve been working on. It will be released early September, but more on that at a later date.
A myriad of colours
It’s not just purple that I have to cheer me. I’ve been surprised and delighted by the number of shades, from pastel to vivid, that have emerged over the past few weeks. Bright cerise, pale yellow, cream tinged with coral, delicate pink – every shade is represented.
I think the colours stand out even more against the white-washed brick and flint walls of the cottage and historic old forge building.
As I enjoy the summer spectacle, I am looking forward to my favourite season, autumn, and all that it brings. I’m busy working on new patterns for September release including a messenger bag with two flap options, plus a new cap. Until then, take a look at the Charlie’s Aunt Etsy shop for new additions. We have some more fabrics and vintage buttons to add in the coming weeks, in time for all those cosy fall and winter makes.
