Are you looking to support heritage handiwork by makers and artisans from around the world? Eileen Applebaum, owner of Threads Soft Goods, offers home goods and handcrafted pillows designed to preserve these precious trades. Her beautiful new heritage collection, showcased at Currey & Company features OEKO-Tex certified dyes in home decor pillows and throws. These textiles are handmade using vintage techniques and natural materials like linen, silk, jute, wool, and cotton.
A Passion for Detail: Eileen Applebaum’s Vision
In a recent interview with Eileen, she shared her passion for the details that make each piece special. “When you’re working for a big retailer, you’re often focused on the front of the pillow. Now, I can worry about the back, the zipper, the zipper pull, and any trim and tassel that can elevate the whole item,” she explained.
Unique Designs: The Art of the Back and Zipper
For example, a zipper pillow may have an exciting front design, but also a big, beautiful metal zipper on the back with a unique zipper pull made from little metal coins. The back might feature luxurious velvet instead of plain cotton, showcasing Eileen’s attention to detail.
One standout element of the collection is the use of familiar materials in exciting new ways. “We’re taking Cowrie shells and using them in a big, dense, graphic way,” Eileen said. She also collaborates with rug manufacturers to create pillow textures using finer plies of wool and alpaca, incorporating exaggerated details in the zippers and tassels.
Authentic heritage techniques are a signature of her collection. Eileen highlighted her excitement about having real shibori tie-dyeing on silk, with silk on both sides of the pillow. “It’s not just about the front, but the front and the back, with beautiful little details,” she noted.
Bringing Heritage Craftsmanship to the Public
Eileen’s passion is to bring vintage handicraft techniques to a larger audience to preserve the craft. “This was my chance to do something I’ve wanted to do in my 30-year career.” She also gets a chance to play and have the pillow pattern spill over from the front to the back, and add more old world techniques such as French knots for texture and dimension.
Her overall desire is to make Threads Soft Goods’ vintage techniques and fabrics accessible to a much wider audience. Check out the quality and exceptional craftsmanship that go into each of these heritage pieces— once you see these heritage pieces, you’ll want to own one!
Subscribe to @TheHome.com to be at the forefront of the latest trends related to home furnishings. We’re your go-to source for all your interior design needs, from lifestyle and home decor tips to breaking news. Sign up for our newsletter today at TheHome.com and follow us on Instagram @thehomedotcom.
