09 April 2013

My Textiles & What's Been Up

So...  it's been a bit of a whirlwind year for me in a lot of ways- having our third baby, moving, my husband quitting his job to come work with me full-time, textile line launch... there might be more but I've probably blocked it out ;) ;)  



Anyway, for the past year or so, I've been in conversations with an amazing fabric company about potentially collaborating on my textile line together.  I've traveled up to New York and they've visited us... I met some really great people (and friends!!) and have a huge amount of respect for this company, but it's turned out that the partnership isn't going to happen.  

As disappointed as I was to hear that I wouldn't be partnering with this great company, I'm of the mindset that what happens, happens, and that whichever path life takes us on, it's the right one.  You go where you need to go to learn & experience what ultimately becomes your past, your foundation, your pathway.  



So anyway, after learning this (last week or the week before?? they're all blending together) I've been forging ahead with my original plan for the fabric company- which was to keep it strictly mine and more boutique- and to have the line carried by select showrooms & shops around the country.  I'm really excited about moving in that direction again and it's now really in the works, which is exciting.  




Since I first launched the line last November, I've created more fabrics, which I haven't photographed or added to our online shop yet, so I've got a lot of work to do with that.



And also... with the gorgeous SPRING that has just sprung around us here in DC, I am ready to hit the sketch pad and get some new patterns out!!!  Something about the weather and the flowers blooming everywhere, just makes need to grab a pencil and GO!!!!! :)  I can't explain it (and  you probably feel it too) but Spring just makes me feel so incredibly alive and ready to create!!!  (Trust me, I know how terribly cheesy that is... just can't help it.)  I honestly get Spring fever and have a really hard time sitting in my office working.  No joke, I might need to get tied to my chair.  

{The periwinkles on our back hill I snapped a pic of this morning}


My mom says it's happened to me every year since I was a little girl and every year, the teachers would call her in for a conference and ask what was up with me...  


Anyway, as I've mentioned before, I  get my inspiration for my fabric line from nature and the things that have always given me that strong giddy feeling.  Much of it is drawn from childhood memories, ones that were revisited year after year (even now) as the new plants & weeds bloom each season.  I was always picking everything and touching it and playing with it...  I remember certain people with certain plants. { I can't see onion grass and not think of the day my best friend and I ATE it at recess.---"Don't worry Danielle, it' just like real onions!" I'd promised. :/  yuck.  It's not.  Or at least maybe eaten plain it's not good.}

And here's one other little piece of inspiration I found and fell gaga for last week:



Written in 1925 and in German, I have no idea what it's about, but it's cover is begging to be turned into a textile design.  Will keep you posted.



I also just wanted to thank you so much for the support.  Honestly, I would never have had the confidence to even attempt something like a fabric line if it weren't for the support and friendship of everyone I've met through blogging.


So...  in the future, you can expect to hear where the fabrics will be being carried near you so that if you're interested, you can go see & touch them in person, and you can also expect to see some new designs soon!!!  Because Spring has Sprung around here.

 
To view the current collection, go to our online store www.purestylehome.co and click on "LL TEXTILES"
ps- If you have any questions about the price point of the fabrics and "why they're so expensive" check out -this post here which explains it in detail.  :)

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

24 comments:

  1. Looking forward to seeing your new textiles. I also read your post on price point, which was also good. I love your Queen Anne's fabric as I love that flower. I noticed West Elm has a curtain in a Queen Anne's print and it does not even come close to comparing to your detailed and artful textile. It is sort of like comparing McDonalds to a gourmet restaurant. :-)

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  2. Lauren,
    I think not sitting still, always being inspired and venturing out with great confidence and courage is admirable. Surely all things happen for a reason, just like the seasons. You are beautiful inside and out and have the support of your husband, family and in a few years, I imagine you will have your children working for you. Enjoy the seasons of life - and every challenge.
    pve

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  3. Sorry that the venture didn't work out, but good luck with everything going forward! So funny, I was just telling my sons yesterday that, as a kid, I once made onion dip with onion grass and it was disgusting!!

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  4. Love your work. Don't be discouraged. You are super talented and all your fabrics are beautiful. (And you are too... great pic!!)

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  5. I think it all just means there's something better ahead :)

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  6. Lauren,

    "When a door closes, a window opens." You are a talented designer and your fabric is fabulous so I think that perhaps this is going to take you in directions that you never even imagined.

    Have a fabulous day!

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  7. If I had a brick and mortar store, I would carry your fabrics first thing! I have an account with you, but alas, no one has needed them in their design yet (we get fewer projects out here in the country :) ). It's beautiful seeing your journey. Whatever happens, you are in for great things!
    xo,
    Tawna

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  8. I wish I had a shop so I could carry all your fabulousness! Sorry it didn't work out with RA but you've got the right idea my friend. That just means something bigger is around the bend.

    xoxoxo
    Jen

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  9. Oh wow! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  10. A closed door always seems to take a little energy out of me. I am so excited to see what new things you come up with and what new doors open for you.

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  11. I love your style and the fact that you bring natural elements into everything you do. I too am deeply inspired by nature and jump at Spring! Love the book...almost positive that it is Edelweiss on the cover.

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  12. Blessings as you move forward Lauren. I agree, where a door is shut, another will open! It's not a step back, it's a step closer to bigger and better things for you!

    Ruthie

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  13. I believe the title means "the Heavenly island". any images inside?

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  14. I can feel the disappointment you are having Lauren. But with your talent, your blessing & future is just gonna come in a different way! All the best to you and can't wait to see your new fabric line!

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  15. Everything happens for a reason and really -it's so much more exciting alone! Congratulations on all of your success :-)

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  16. Lauren, I continue to be so inspired by you as a woman/mother/wife who is finding her way and has so much talent to share. Congratulations on your success! Your fabrics are lovely, as are your interiors. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with your readers!

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  17. Having the stick-to-itiveness to create and manufacture a product line is a huge victory, all on its own, so you should be proud of yourself!

    And you're totally right about that German book; it would look so eye-catching in a textile form!

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  18. Your fabrics are amazing and sometimes it's just waiting for somthing better to come along. That sleigh bed with your fabrics is all kinds of wonderful!

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  19. Your fabrics are absolutely incredible, Lauren, and you've always inspired and impressed me. I had a disappointment a while ago, and - in an effort to turn myself around - I put the following on my screensaver - "If a train doesn't stop at your station, it's not your train!" It's my new motto!!

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  20. Lauren - I see this as nothing but good news!

    How wonderful the future will be when more than only one "big gun" will be wanting to buy your name and patterns.

    And after all the time, tears, and effort you and Hubby will have put into your own business I wonder what you will decide.

    Thank you for including us all in your adventure!

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  21. i loved this post. i think it is nice to be reminded that the "fairy tale" ending that we THINK we want doesn't always happen in the way we WANT it to happen. 5 years ago, in the midst of the recession, my husband shut down his construction company, we left our newly remolded home and moved across the country into a really ugly and (for me) depressing rental house. 5 years later, our kids are happier then they ever have been, my husband loves his job, and we are building a house. i never would have guessed that i would be where i am today, but i am have to say that i am really happy that things turned out the way they did. i am sure that whatever happens with your fabric line will be what is meant to be! and that fabric company is going to regret not getting on board the lauren train!

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  22. Dear Lauren,
    the title of the German book means "Holly Island". Please let me know if you need any more translation from the inside!
    All the best for your fabric line, everything happens for a reason and the end will always be better than imagined!
    Nicola

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  23. Lauren , Im unable to open the shop page and the link you mentioned in the page seems broken . Can you please correct it so that i can see the beautiful collection .

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~Lauren