Located in a 19th century renovated chocolate factory, Hawthorne Threads is an entrepreneurial enterprise owned by Charlie and Lindsay, a husband and wife team (their byline is "two lovebirds who love fabric"). Charlie, a software designer, takes the lead on web design. When I navigate their site with the greatest of ease I appreciate the man's talents and skills. Lindsay, a geology major in college who moved from "plate tectonics to textiles - from rocks to frocks", started an Etsy fabric shop in 2008 and unexpectedly discovered a new generation of quilters, sewers, and artists hungry for well-designed textiles. Her success led to the development of Hawthorne Threads online; joining forces with her husband; and most recently expanding into the aforementioned chocolate factory in Red Hook, New York. Lindsay is reminded of a quote from Faith Baldwin. Baldwin wrote that "time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations." Lindsay loves that it " marries two very different life paths for her, and at the same time, embodies the very idea of change over time."
Lindsay is also happily the sole buyer for Hawthorne Threads. Here's Lindsay's approach: "When selecting fabric to carry in the shop I honestly look for something I like, and we're lucky that so many sewers and crafters agree with me! I shudder to think about what might happen if in fifteen years from now my taste has gone by the wayside. I couldn't buy and advertise something that I didn't like, and I think that genuine excitement comes through in our newsletters and blog posts. I love pattern and design and am thrilled to support the beautiful efforts of all the talented ladies and gents in the contemporary textile scene. From the fabric designers, to the shop owners, to the community of sewers, there's such a remarkable positive feedback loop of creativity and design, each one continuing to sow the seeds of inspiration for the next."
Lindsay told me that if "you walked into our post and beam home in Upstate New York you'd see that my taste leads to rustic modern, sort of West Elm meets Adirondack lodge." A few are shown below with Charlie working as design assistant.
All photos via Hawthorne Threads
Now for some of my favorite fabrics. The first two are from designer Amy Butler's Soul Blossom collection and the final three are from designer Tula Pink's Prince Charming collection. All photos via Hawthorne Threads.
For a great fabric adventure, head for Hawthorne Threads. Sign-up for their blog, newsletter, and fabric alerts. Bon Voyage!
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