Thursday 22 October 2009

Catherine Aitken

The last few weeks have been a serious exercise in self-restraint, as I have been popping in regularly to the Origin craft fair (which was very close to where I work.) There were hundreds of pounds of items I really wanted, which would have worked perfectly in my interiors scheme. Unfortunately I'm not in a financial position to be spending much, and I can't deal with buying Christmas presents in October, so I did not make any purchases. So, it was very disappointing that almost all of the designers I liked did not have their work available for sale online, even though most had their own website. I can't imagine that all of them have enough wholesale business to support them, so is it just that they don't know you can set up an Etsy, Folksy or Big Cartel shop in about ten minutes?

I've identified some designers whose work I want to feature even though you have to contact them directly to make a purchase.

One of my very favourites was Catherine Aitken. Her delicate soft furnishings and stationery came in a beautiful soft palette of greys and taupe, and her geometric designs were softened by their delicate hand-drawn quality.




I especially loved these napkins (I think this design also came on a linen cushion), and her feather designs. I hope to track her work down elsewhere as I really did stop by her stall on several occasions, trying to convince myself that I could justify buying at least a lavender sachet (and leaving empty-handed each time - she must have thought I was quite strange.)

10 comments:

sammy and glenn: pachadesign said...

we really wanted to get to Origin this year because we had a few friends taking part there, but we have just been too busy ..... how cool to be working near by and being able to keep popping in.

Kickcan & Conkers said...

Oh temptation! These are beautiful. I must say that I browsed the exhibition's website and found some really interesting work, so much creativity. It's very inspiring

Conversation Pieces said...

That is a shame that they don't have an etsy, folksy etc account – always makes it seem much more formal when you have to email someone to ask for something.

And I do that too - where you like someone's stuff but can't afford it or decide on it and you end up loitering for more time than is comfortable! I sometimes end up avoiding people's stands because I know I'll like their stuff but can't buy it and I don't want to disappoint them by seeming too interested... Crazy me?!

Lynne said...

Zoe - I totally agree! I don't want to give people false hope!

Spicy Jam said...

I applaud your strength! It's so hard not to spend in the face of something gorgeous.x Caroline

vanilla press said...

Love those napkins!

nath said...

oh, very beautiful. and how restrained of you, do you regret that restraint now?!

TERI REES WANG said...

A very modern play on an old-fashion way.

Kitchen fitter in Faversham said...

I went to origin as well, and could have spent a lot of money if I had it!! I liked her work too.

Jane Flanagan said...

Absolutely stunning work!