Sophie’s Wishlist

It’s all about block print this week and these are just a few of my favourite things in the shop made from this beautiful fabric that is produced by traditional artisan craftsmen and women in India. More about the story of block printing further on in the newsletter but here’s some gorgeous stuff for you to have a gander at - just click on the pic for more info.

The History of Block Printing

For thousands of years, Indian artisans have been making decorative block prints and the art is passed down from generation to generation. Block printed textiles are all handmade products and the printing process is lengthy and complex. Each piece is unique so you can expect varieties in colour and irregularities which is all part of its charm and a reminder that all the fabrics are handmade.

Dark Vintage Denim Jacket with Patch Pockets and Frill Collar

Skilled craftsmen stamp the cloth using carved wooden blocks to imprint the designs onto the fabric. Depending on the number of colours and the intricacy of the designs, the printer handstamps the cloth hundreds or even thousands of times to complete the design. I absolutely love block printed fabrics which is why I stock many of them in the shop, mainly from the wonderful Danish brand, Bungalow, who have a long-standing close relationship with skilled craftsmen and women in India and as a result, produce some of the most beautiful block printed products on the market.

GOOD News

I subscribe to a great monthly newsletter called Fix The News which brings me joy every time I read it (unlike the everyday headlines we’re subjected to that are often negative and saddening). So I’m sharing just one of the positive articles from their newsletter this week to cheer you all up - because who doesn’t love a barn owl?

The incredible comeback of barn owls in Britain
This is an inspiring story of how small groups of dedicated conservationists and communities, with a little ingenuity and effort, can have extraordinarily positive effects on one species. These collaborative efforts have drastically increased barn owl populations across the British Isles from 4,000 breeding pairs in 1980 to around 12,000 breeding pairs today. One of the key strategies has been the installation of nest boxes, which provide safe nesting sites in areas where natural sites are scarce. How fabulous!

Barn owl in flight in 2018. Photo Credit: Peter Burian

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend full of rest and relaxation and maybe you’ll spot a barn owl if you’re lucky. See you in the shop soon.

Sophie x

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Andrassy Living 28 East Street Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0AJ