I have an absolute passion for Toile de Jouy fabric, it encompasses many of the things I love best – a monochrome colour scheme, it looks French, has romantic pastoral scenes. So imagine my delight to find I was within driving distance of the little French town after which it is named, Jouy-en-Josas, not many miles from Versailles. Cotton was introduced to France from India in the 17th century and quickly became popular as it was washable. Concern grew amongst the French producers of silk and wool and so its production and use in France was banned in 1686 in order to protect existing clothiers. Its use continued clandestinely, as it was imported from Ireland (Kilkenny I believe) and Britain, until the ban was rescinded in 1759, allowing a home-grown industry to develop. Jouy-en-Josas was chosen by Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf, a German industrialist, as a centre for production due to the clear running waters of the Bièvre river, needed in its process. Printing on this cotton toile was done by woodblock, but Oberkampf introduced copper plates to France, which gave greater printed detail and were flexible enough to form cylindrical drums. 

The factory flourished with over 1,000 in the workforce, Oberkampf employed artists to portray events of the day, such as the first balloon flight from the Champ de Mars in Paris, or the 18th century trend for the pastoral idyll – one imagines Marie Antoinette employing it in her rural retreat, Le Hameau!jcpenney printable coupons curtains Sadly when I visited Jouy-en-Josas, being August the month when everyone in France is on holiday, the Museum and the charming fabric shops were closed. curtain rod finials pottery barnProbably just as well!grommet curtains kmart But we did stop to pay a visit to the historic 13th century Church, Saint-Martin, with its magnificent carved 12th century statue known as “La Diège”.blinds curtains kadina

We walked and drove around the village but there was no real evidence of past production, except a large  abandoned building and a forlorn, wishful thinking, sign on the roadanita curtains ikea grey and a very closed Musée de la Toile de Jouy, though it had a very pretty garden.curtain tension rod john lewis Traditionally, Toile de Jouy fabrics were produced in red, purple and indigo on a cream or white background. ready made curtains eveshamToile actually means fabric but today the term is applied to the pattern used in furnishing fabrics, wallpaper and china. At home, I find Toile de Jouy in red creates a fresh look in the bedroom, teamed with white bedlinen. In a dear friend’s house in Normandy, I sleep in a room where she has battened red Toile fabric onto the walls and used it as curtains and bed cover too – the effect is welcoming and cosy.

Here Blue toile smartens a garden bench. The French faience company “Gien” produces a beautiful red and white toile dinner service called “Delices des Quatre Saisons”.  I love the serving dishes which make a good contrast to my white dinner service, looking appropriate at Christmas too. And of course when I’m in the garden, “Gien’s” Toile de Jouy mug is a perfect companion! Musée de la Toile de Jouy. Many companies,eg, “Laura Ashley” and “Annie Sloan” produce their own Toile de Jouy fabric ranges. Fabricut Fabric Pattern Fola Sparkle 7607202 Fola Sparkle Chrome by Fabricut 7607201 Fola Sparkle Coin by Fabricutng h. Breda FitzpatrickSee allDapper DrapesHi all, just to let you know the Sale ends on Tuesday, so get your orders in while you can!!Dapper DrapesSALE NOW ON!! 10% OFF OF ALL GOODS, INCLUDING FABRICS, RAILS/POLES AND MAKE UP COSTS. GET IN TOUCH FOR A QUOTE :-)See allDapper Drapes added 3 new photos.hand stitched, customers own fabric.

get in touch if you want one of your own!Dapper Drapes added 3 new photos.hand made and made to measure. Really beautiful in the natural light. Get in touch if you want one made ☺Dapper Drapes added 2 new photos.latest creation from Dapper Drapes. Prestigious Textiles Fabric, hand stitched, custom made, get one of your own! really gorgeous blind, going to look fab when its up ☺Dapper DrapesLatest blind made by Dapper Drapes. iLiv fabric, sold by us. If youd like one, get in touch!!Hand stitched roman blind made this week by Dapper Drapes. This one turned out really gorgeous. Fabric supplied by customer. contact me if you want one made 😀Dapper Drapes added 5 new photos.Rand stitched by Dapper Drapes.Dapper Drapes added 3 new photos.A blind with matching cushions recently made by Dapper Drapes.Dapper DrapesRoman blind before hanging ☺Dapper DrapesCustomer photo of a roman blind made a few weeks back. Prestigious Textiles fabric, cotton linen mix with thermal lining. A fab blind - looks even bettet in the flesh!D

apper Drapes added 5 new photos.Fabric of the week. Normally €19 a meter, but going for €16 or this week only.Dapper Drapes added 6 new photos.Fabrics of the week. Normally €19 a meter each, going for €16 a meter for this week only. Also 10% off of make up costs when you pick this fabric so its a double bargain :-) PM me for more details :-)Dapper Drapes added 2 new photos.Pinch pleats hand made this week. If you want your own, just get in touch!Dapper Drapes added 3 new photos.Formally €22 a meter, but €19 a meter for this week only. Soft on the eye, and soft on the pocket! PM me for more details.. or if your looking for a certain type of fabric, PM me about that too!!Dapper DrapesHi all, if you want a no obligation quote for your hand made curtains or blinds, feel free to ring and ask!! 0877179288. Don't forget, we have our 10% sale on so everything is at a great price :-)Fabrics FABULOUS FABRICS FOR THE HOME. Great rooms start with great fabrics. 10,000 options in a multitude of patterns, textures, weights and colors.