Hannah Redden

I believe I can find inspiration anywhere . . . but, vintage textiles and garments are one of my favourite sources of inspiration. Perhaps it’s my love of Jane Austen novels, which conjure up fantasies of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley . . . or my current fascination with the history of our Monarchy. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to spend time at museums in their archives or behind the scenes at their exhibits taking a close look at some truly amazing textiles. There’s nothing quite like seeing the garments and textiles in person, especially when I can look underneath and see how the garment was assembled. Unfortunately, museums are not something one can get to on a day-to-day basis, especially with a little one in tow!

I can easily indulge myself by wandering through the pages of interior magazines (especially ‘Period Homes and Interiors’) dreaming of what it must have been like to waltz in a Victorian ballroom while wearing a Worth ballgown . . . until I come to my senses and realize how grateful I am for not having to don a corset and wear layer upon layer of under garments.

I generally like to hoard my findings but some have escaped and are now transformed into unique cushions that have been merged with a modern twist. Bold velvets adorn the salvaged finds and provide a definite talking point. It seems that it’s an innate human desire to beautify and embellish the things we have around us, however functional and humble their origins. I hope you enjoy browsing my selection of cushions and textiles.

http://ow.ly/SZp40