Page 80 - MM July2018

Dimensional embellishments
Embroidery is an important component
to the offerings of Creative Threads.
The company’s factory in India turns out elegant drapery panels, matelassé bedding, pillows and fabric by the yard. Most items are linen or linen-cotton blends, with embroidered designs, applique and other embellishments. Embroidered ogees
and diamonds, or hand-block printing
are among the many techniques that are found in Creative Threads’ offerings.
In particular, the company has perfected the art of velvet applique on a linen/cotton base, giving the designs a tactile, three- dimensional effect.
“Most of embroideries we do are on a flatweave fabric; I want the customers
to focus on the embroidery rather than
on the fabric itself,” says Ravneet Bagga, president. “And every embroidery design we create has to have something unique about it. For instance, on a floral design, the leaves might have different texture and if you run your finger over the leaves you’ll feel the raised embroidery.”
Natural materials
Brazilian hair on cowhides are the
focus of Chesterfield Leather, which
is known for its throws and pillows.
The company works with a variety of hides, including Tibetan lamb, Australian sheepskin, and long haired mountain goat.
“Texture is a big part of every Chesterfield product,” says Danielle Rutter, operations
manager. “As a natural product, no two cowhides are exactly alike. While you
could describe our cowhides overall as being soft, the way your hand slides over the hair, and the thickness and texture, will be unique to each hide. Even the variations in how tightly the hair is curled are as unique as snowflakes in a storm," she says.
“The embellishments give life and shine and enhance tha”t tactile experience.
LEO KRAIDELMAN
Rutter especially loves showing off
the company’s long haired mountain goat throws and pillows to prospective customers. “They are so soft and luxurious,” she says. And the company never shies away from trying new and unexpected combinations. The line of Devore cowhides, for example, mixes the hair of the cowhide with clusters
of smooth metallic.
Impeccable quality
In Lands Downunder, “texture plays a huge part in the design of our products,” notes Victoria Salerno, creative manager. “For example, our New Zealand mohair throws offer a long pile brushed finish and a luster that only mohair can produce. We also offer a brushed alpaca throw collection woven in New Zealand that achieves loft and an incomparable natural softness.”
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Also in the line: Italian Cashmere Merino waffle-weave throws, and the Italian Strato blanket collection, which uses nylon yarns and merino wool for a pillowy effect.
"Texture has an important role in the composition of a room," says Salerno. “Adding texture with one of our colorful
throw blankets can help reflect the customer’s personal style and expression. Throw blankets with exceptional texture, such as alpaca and mohair, will not only add a pleasing and inviting accessory; they add the appearance of luxury and stature.”
Vintage techniques
While textiles offer an element of
texture, so do decorative accessories. Twigs and Moss, for example, is known
for its handmade decoupage trays.
And while the antique images are visually interesting, with layering and inked detail, they’re encased under smooth glass in
a technique known as reverse decoupage. Haas uses antique prints that she sources from dealers as far-flung as England and Germany; her latest acquisitions include themes of butterflies, botanicals and
sea life.
Whether hard or soft, smooth or rough, incorporating texture in all its forms is sure to add interest and appeal to any retail space. >
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