Terrific toiles, tickings and other textiles

Fans of lovely textiles, rejoice. Annie Sloan’s new line, which includes toiles and tickings made in Belgium and France, should start showing up soon in a few select Canadian retailers.  Here’s a sneak peak.

Let’s start with the toiles — a perennial favourite. Although the inspiration for toile fabrics originated in India, it was in 18th century France that they became popular. Typically, they featured a bucolic theme repeated across a pale background. But you also see the designs against stonger backdrops - sometimes mustard yellow, deep pink or event black. Originally, these prints were often designed as a graphic interpretation of news or important local events.  BTW, check out the very modern Marimekko design below. Doesn't it remind you a bit of toile? It does me.

Ticking is a tightly woven, highly serviceable striped cotton fabric, originally used for mattress covers. The black and taupe Paris Noir ticking from Sloan is a smart and chic, while a horizontal stripe in off white and tomato red in different intensities (Panama Rouge) is softer. French Hens is retro rural; chickens, roosters, eggs and feathers on a linen-look background.  It would work well on draperies in the kitchen or garden room, or on as pillows. Faded Roses is strewn with delicate, dainty roses in faded pinks and greens. Prertt, pretty, pretty.

To see all the new fabrics, check out my Pinterest board