• Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Showroom
  • Shop Online
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest

Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics

Gracious living that's light on the earth

You are here: Home / Communities / Green textiles

in Communities

Green textiles

I just got back from Washington D.C., where I went to meet informally with folks connected to or interested in the Association for the Study of Peak Oil. ASPO is planning their yearly conference and they wanted to share some aims for the event which is being held for the second year in the nation’s capital this November. I’ll be there and I hope you’ll go, too.

But as I often do, when I get the opportunity to travel up to DC, I first of all make sure to hit some great international eateries. I also go to museums. In particular I look for exhibits that are focused on energy, the environment and anything “Green.”

This time I was in luck.

All sewn up

Being a textile artist myself (I work in needle felting and in repurposing existing fabric toward new ends) I was excited to see that the Textile Museum has an exhibit open through September 11, 2011 called Green: The Color and the Cause.

Turns out that throughout human history there’s been few textiles dyed green because the elements for dyeing green don’t really exist in nature the way other colors do.

Sure, there’s green everywhere in nature, but this doesn’t translate to a natural and “sticky” or  rather “fast” green dye. Artists and craftspersons would have to mix dye colors and mordants to get green, making it an enviable end result. The exhibit covers this by displaying various centuries old garments, household linens and rug fragments from China, Persia, Japan, India, Turkey, Egypt and Peru.

New works

These were stunning, but the contemporary pieces excited me even more. In particular I was taken by a few submissions that successfully pushed the intellectual edge, whether or not I found the materials exciting in and of themselves.

Maggy Rozycki Hiltner’s Hothouse Flowers 2005 was easily my favorite. And here I did love the materials. Her repurposed embroidery fragments taken from vintage dish towels and other linens formed a collage on the upper and lower edges of a wall hanging that frankly could also be called a “table runner” if one wanted to get practical and look back on the origins of the pieces.

Enclosed in the center of the runner are embroideries reminiscent of vintage children’s story book illustrations of people. The artist referred to it as akin to the Japanese Superflat art movement, but to me it read as a kind of Dick and Jane figurative representation. Unlike happy-go-lucky vintage illustrations, the embroidery here is meant to suggest how kids are pushed today, and how that push toward success and achievement often means alienating them from nature, the very thing that nourishes us the most. It’s a stunning, provocative and humorous piece.

Also notable was a jacket by Alabama Chanin, a “slow clothes movement” artist collective under designer Natalie Chanin. I’ll definitely write just about her and Alabama Chanin in the future, exploring the opportunities and excitement of the slow clothes movement, but for now let me just say that growing, spinning and weaving locally, hand sewing and elegant garments go together beautifully. What an inspiration for any innovative designer with a needle, an imagination and a willingness to experiment with traditional methods.

Teresa Barkley’s quilted wall hanging Freedom From Hunger: Cabbage and Potatoes 2010 offered a radical upending of the cheesy printed fabrics ubiquitous in the country crafting tradition. Instead of offering the sentimental schlock innate to these fabrics, Barkley turned her motif into a true meditation on the life cycle, the human relationship to nature, and the spiritual elements in depending on nature’s indifference for our growth and sustenance.

Weaving it together

I never would have thought I would have loved Emily Dvorin’s Verdundant so much, because I can be a bit snobbish about natural materials and how they “speak” to me, versus the “deadness” in artificial ones. But this piece really surprised me. Using bright green cable tie lines like the ones used in quick hand cuffs or to bolster a fence, Dvorin weaves together a bowl that is at once a seemingly organic piece and useless to the point of being extraneous. As the exhibit says about her work

Verdundant is a conflation of two words, “verdant” (green with growing plants) and “redundant” (exceeding what is necessary). The title encapsulates Dvorin’s message. Her green basket, which mimics a growing plant, is “a commentary on overconsumption of commercial goods, societal excess, and throwaway consumerism.”

I loved it! The thought, execution and humor were razor sharp and did what all good art should—push us past our comfort zone to engage with something we might otherwise dismiss.

I have plenty to say about the rest of the equally amazing pieces, but if you’re going to be in the DC area this summer see this show and a companion exhibit, Second Lives: the Age Old Art of Recycling Textiles, (which plays a few months longer than Green, through January 8, 2012). This exhibit is full of fascinating information on how textiles have been reused throughout history. It offers a telling example about how the fossil fuel age is different from all other times in our total disregard for how things are made, the value inherent in them. Our disposable culture will one day give way to the long standing necessity of reusing items. Indeed it already is. This exhibit provides inspiration for anyone looking to value items more fully, and the creative inspiration to reenvision what an item can be.

–Lindsay Curren, Lindsay’s List

If you enjoyed this article please share and follow Lindsay’s List on Facebook and Twitter.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter

Related

About Lindsay Curren

A Christian, mama, and writer, Lindsay Curren (aka Lady Virginia) is also a passionate lifelong collector of vintage fabrics. "There's something inexplicable about the pull textiles have on me. I simply can't resist sourcing them, using them, and now selling them. Other fabric addicts will understand!"

Previous Post: « Road trip
Next Post: Best $20 Father’s Day gift for peak oil »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. macrobe says

    July 9, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    This post was partly nostalgic for me. Decades ago while living in a cedar log cabin I built in the back woods of Maine, I made most of my own clothing: skirt from a table cloth, long skirt from a white sheet that I tie-dyed, summer dress from a bed sheet, dungaree bib-dress from old discarded jeans. Made quilts from discarded clothing for myself and my daughter. All hand sewn or on an old Singer treadle machine. I also traded garden vegetables for spun wool yarn and knitted my own socks, mittens and hats. This turned into a cottage business where I was paid cash or by barter to mend clothes and quilts, knit custom hats, and even hand sewed a pair of leather pants. And back then, it was okay not to wear underwear 🙂

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to Our Blog

Stay connected to get all the latest

We'll never share or sell your contact information.

  • About
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Footer

more about lady virginia

A Christian, mama, and writer, Lindsay Curren (aka Lady Virginia) is also a passionate lifelong collector of vintage fabrics. "There's something inexplicable about the pull textiles have on me. I simply can't resist sourcing them, using them, and now selling them. Other fabric addicts will understand!"

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

looking for something?

Get Our Free E-Book

Get free ebook

Latest on Instagram

A vibrant and expressive light upholstery weight c A vibrant and expressive light upholstery weight cotton from Greeff Fabrics' 1970s era "Mandarin Tree Collection," this piece, "Pahari Bazaar" references East Indian marketplace culture from the middle ages or after. No. 59330-32 in the Greeff archive. $229 w/ free shipping in the US. Find it and other rare #vintagefabric in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio).

.
.
.
.
#greefffabrics #indianmarketplace #pahari #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #etsy #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #reupholstered #reupholstery #reupholster
Make something awesome from My Top Three Favorite Make something awesome from My Top Three Favorite Vintage Fabric Samples. Find them in my #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage. 

#fabric #vintagefabric #etsyupchallenge #fabricobsession #fabriclovers @rsamfisher
A truly lovely vintage Indienne style fabric based A truly lovely vintage Indienne style fabric based on historic examples. Produced in the 1970s, possibly during the Colonial revival of the Bicentennial era.

Designed by Faye Burgos for Marcus Brothers Textiles, Inc., this piece is an UNGLAZED cotton chintz in a weight suitable for quilting. Can be used for totes or pillows, too, but would benefit in either case from some interfacing and lining. Nice weight for a small set of café curtains, a Roman shade, or lampshade. Very grandmillennial/granny chic.

Absolutely stunning colors and bold design with rich detail. The background off-white has a scalloped design of tiny dots and flowers on which the larger floral design sits; this contrasts with the mango-colored vertical stripes and their complimentary red and blue floral designs. Classic!

$49/yard with 2 continuous yards available. Free shipping in the US. Find it in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics. Link in bio. 

.
.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #grandmillennialstyle #indienne #18thcentury  #marcusbrothersfabric #etsy #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #floralfabric #floralfabrics #fayeburgos #1970sfabric #reproductionfabrics
Made in 1988, this Greeff Fabrics piece featuring Made in 1988, this Greeff Fabrics piece featuring Joseph Pickett-like primitive Colonial American era homes, farms, and trees, is currently fashioned into a rod-pocket curtain sized for a small window. If you deconstruct it you'll gain about 1" at the top and bottom each, and 1" on one side (the other side has the selvage with printed fabric information and date).

Simple Salt Box, Georgian, and Federal-era homes dot an idyllic rural landscape of ponds, rolling hills, and soaring graceful trees, some seeming to be palmettos suggesting the landscape is South Carolina. Joseph Pickett worked primarily in Pennsylvania, but this hokmage-like piece clearly makes nods to his style.

Lovely little addition to a rustic, primitive, 18th century, or colonial-era decorated home. Could be used as sewn as a tiny curtain, or small fabric flourish on a bathroom sink bottom or furniture piece, or deconstruct and upcycle into pillow fronts, small totes, quilting pieces, appliqué, mixed media fiber arts, or other projects.

25” w x 33” long w/ hemming on all sides. Can be deconstructed for other purposes. $89 w/ free shipping in the US. Link in bio. 

.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #vintagecurtain #colonialwilliamsburg #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #colonial #colonialamerica #rustic #primitivedecor #primitives #josephpickett #grandmamoses #saltboxhouse #18thcentury #quilting #quiltfabric
Last few hours of our Mother’s Day Sale. Find yo Last few hours of our Mother’s Day Sale. Find your dream #vintagefabric at 10-25% off w/ free shipping in the US over $35 through midnight tonight. Visit us at Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics on Etsy (link in bio). 

.
.
.
.
#mothersdaysale #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grandmillennial #mothersday #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #reupholstered #reupholstery #reupholster #floralfabric #floralfabrics #flowersofinstagram
More charming than words can say! What a find! "En More charming than words can say! What a find! "English Meadow," 1974, from Greeff's The Woods and Meadows Collection of the 1970s.

The piece features a riot of madow flower including poppies, asters, candytuft, and day lilies amidst spiking and lilting foliage. A perfect fabric for meadow lovers and naturalists — use to decorate a cabin or nature retreat, throwback AirBnB or VW Bus. Make pillow fronts, café curtains, totes, and more! So gorpcore!

Find it in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). On sale for 25% off through Mother’s Day. Two yards left. 

.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #cottagecore #gorpcore #grannychic #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #reupholstered #reupholstery #reupholster #floralfabric #floralfabrics #flowersofinstagram #mothersday #mothersdaysale
Fixing up a chair? Even a scrap can do wonders to Fixing up a chair? Even a scrap can do wonders to bring a chair back to life. This #scalamandre #chinoiserie made my chair soar! 

Find your dream vintage fabric in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). Pre Mothers Day Sale 10-25% off through May 14 with free shipping in the US over $35.

.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #grandmillennialstyle #brunschwigandfils #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #reupholstered #reupholstery #reupholster #chinoiseriechicpassion #chinoiseriechic #chairwhimsy
Cock-a-doodle-do! The rooster crows awake the new Cock-a-doodle-do! The rooster crows awake the new day in this charming 1940s quilting or garment weight fabric. In a graphic black and white colorway, roosters gather near a well or coop in a fanciful environment of rock outcroppings, flowers, twisting trees, and a swirling sky.

12”, yard, or yard + 12” available and on sale through Mothers Day. Find it in our Etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #rooster #vintagerooster #quiltfabric #quiltingfabric #quiltingfabrics #mothersday #mothersdaysale
Our latest #vintagefabric #blogpost features YOUR Our latest #vintagefabric #blogpost features YOUR stories and projects. I love what my customers make and do — check  out some of their projects and get inspired for your own. Read it here: ladyvirginiavintage.com/blog

.
.
.
#fabricblogger #fabricblog #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #grandmillennialstyle #etsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #reupholstery #diy #makers #vintagesewing
Just listed: Fresh and bold, this 1990s graphic bl Just listed: Fresh and bold, this 1990s graphic black and white floral print has a blockprint look (the selvage doesn't say if it was hand or screen printed, but the negative-positive space in the floral design lends itself to a block print style). Statement making!

Three large size scraps available with enough in each for pillow/tote fronts etc. or use for appliqué, slow sewing, framing, etc.

Find them@in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
.
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabric #fabricobsession #fabricobsessed #fabricaddict #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #fabriclover #fabriclovers #vintagestyle #grannychic #shabbychic #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #etsysellersofinstagram #etsysuccess #blockprints #blockprinted #blockprintfabric #floralfabric #floralfabrics #flowersofinstagram #blackandwhite #mothersday #seamstressgift
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 Lady Virginia Vintage · 11 E. Beverley Street · 3rd floor, Suite 21 · Staunton, VA 24401 · Contact Us Online