Rachel Ashwell

I guess the universe is also dispensing of some Rachel Ashwell goods, along with Classic Winnie from Target (I can't STAND those "popping" brightly colored Winnie things, I find them garish. Actually, the use of the word "pop" in describing colors and elements in interior design sorta chafes on my last throbbing nerve ALSO. It seems ... gauche ... unwieldy ... trying too hard?? "Tap-tap-tappin' on mah last NURVE 'bouta BREAKIT!" ~ Michaela, age 8.)

So, twice in the past week, I have found Rachel Ashwell TREASURES stuff (her super duper expensive designer line). At the thrift store. Um, who buys this stuff and then gives it away to the thrift store??? Weird.

Since I actually only know her Target stuff, I don't know any of her other patterns, yet both times it was the colors/patterns (yes, roses on striped ticking - hm) that caught my eye and made me fumble around for that TAG.

Yay!!

So one was a darkish blue stripe, with little pink roses scattered all over it, and it was a flat sheet. Yesterday I found a full fitted sheet - purple ticking stripes with purple roses on it. I have a feeling these were her early patterns or something, because I can't find anything close to these on the net now. The longer I held the fitted sheet, the nicer it felt - it was some really nice soft cotton.

I'll take pics later today to show the pattern. The flat sheet I got mostly for quilting, and the fitted sheet ... well, I like fitted sheets. :)

I honestly think flat sheets are a great thrift store find for making quilts. It's bedding, it's cheap fabric, and you can get some awesome patterns. It's just a matter of having enough fabric to make whatever pattern you have in mind.

At the same thrift store, at the same time, I found a little decorator pillow in this old-time pattern:

I mean, I like it okay, but don't much care for brown. Was debating for a while before I took a closer look and found a bleached yellow spot on it. Uck, gross. It was only $1.95 though.

So then, a couple weeks ago, also found Ashwell's book The Shabby Chic Home sitting on top of a pile of other books at the thrift store - $1.91.

I am also ASTOUNDED that THIS: can be found on eBay as a Buy It Now for $49.99!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's ridiculous. It was $19.99 at most last year at Target, sheesh. The most I paid for mine (I might even have two!) was $4.98. It's possible I even managed to snag one at $1.99. Christmas stuff goes 90% off! They didn't have many stockings, I think, last year, and they have loads of Shabby Chic stockings this year, but no skirt! At least, that I have seen. Anyone who would care to correct me may do so freely.