Quilts & Textiles

For all you make do and menders, crafters and textile enthusiasts, have you heard about an exciting exhibition that is on at the V&A at the moment? Quilts: 1700 - 2010 is the V&A's first ever exhibition of British made quilts!

Rajah Quilt, Made by convicts on board HMS Rajah, 1841, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

With an innovative approach to the display there will be 65 quilts on show from the V&A's extensive collection as well as special loans from around the country and abroad.

Right to Life, by Grayson Perry, 1998.

Coverlet (detail), Ann West, U.K. 1820.

Modern quilts from Grayson Perry and Tracy Emin as well as specially commissioned pieces from Sue Stockwell and Caren Garfen will remind us how relevant quilts and craft in general is today.

It looks to be a very beautiful and informative exhibition that will give you some great inspiration for your own projects as well as being a lovely way to spend the Easter weekend! The exhibition runs until the 4th July 2010.

For even more inspiration after your visit to the V&A, head to Duncan Clarke of Adire African Textiles at Alfies. Duncan sources exceptional museum quality pieces that map the vintage textile traditions of sub-Saharan Africa.

Asafo Flag from Adire African Textiles

Two items that always catch my eye from Adire African Textiles are the Asafo flags and the Ewe Cloths.

Asfato flags, also known as 'frankaa' are made and used by the Fante people of coastal Ghana. The men's 'military' companies parade these flags on festive occasions and the imagery used on these colourful flags represents the wealth and power of the company as well as challenging their rivals, usually through traditional proverbs. Older flags can be identified by their 'battle scars' from the length of time hung outside in all weathers and parades. Flags with no marks or damage are quite often copies made for tourists!

Asafo Flag from Adire African Textiles

Ewe Kente cloths are absolutely stunning with each cloth showing exceptional skill of both craftmanship from the Ewe weavers of Ghana and in the extensive range of the styles created. No wonder they are the most highly prized pieces of African textiles by collectors worldwide! The colours and patterns are simply incredible! These were traditionally commissioned by a man or woman as cloth to wear but now could be treasured as a wall hanging, bedspread, or simply just brought out now and again to admire!

Examples of Ewe Cloths (above and below)

Adire African Textiles have a great website and blog where you can learn in depth about these fantastic and historical pieces and traditions.

All photos from the Quilts: 1700 - 2010 exhibition were taken from the V&A Website.

London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week starts tomorrow! Forget Spring/Summer, we are now looking ahead to Autumn/Winter 2010 & 11, and what better place to start than in London. It's as almost as if we never escaped from Winter's frosty grasp as we get out the brollies to escape the rain!

Nylon-Lady from Empire Vintage

Looking forward to create future fashion quite often starts by looking back. Stylists and fashion and accessory designers are always visiting Alfies for inspiration to find the best design to develop into something show-stoppingly new. From Edwardian bustles to 1940s Hollywood Glamour there is nothing like taking a step back to reflect before creating something new.

If you are looking to design and make something truly unique, be it vintage inspired or something totally different, Alfies has a whole range of dealers and stock to help you.

A Selection of Antique & Vintage Textiles from June Victor

Visit the second floor for a whole range of beautiful fabrics, textiles, trimmings, and accessories. June Victor and Persiflage both have a huge range of stunning fabrics, antique lace, and buttons along with many beautiful trimmings such as cape fasteners and tassles.

Colourful Trimmings from June Victor



Art Deco Trim from Nigel Martin


1950s Buttons from Persiflage

Nigel Martin also on the second floor has been providing fabric and trimmings to costumers, tv and theatre for many years. Make sure to stop by and pick up beautiful one-off lengths of trim and decorative pieces to give your design an added edge.

If the task of making your well thought out design is a little too much then why not bring your ideas to Julie at Empire Vintage or Zoe Lloyd who both excel in making and customising stunning clothes and costumes.

Zoe Lloyd's Studio at Alfies

Whether you are a budding designer, looking to customise, start from scratch, modify or just get some inspiration Alfies is the perfect place to start!

P.S Look out for Alfies Antique Market in FILE, the official guide to London Fashion Week!