One of my favourite things about the interweb is it’s ability to bring people together who, in the physical world, might never have known of one another’s existence.

My dad held a lifelong interest in amateur microscopy.

You don’t get many microscopists on the average suburban street, so being the clever man that he was, dad enthusiastically cultivated numerous long-distance, microscopy-based friendships.

I have no doubt that this saved my mum, sister and I from a million lectures on protozoa.

And for that I am eternally grateful.

Dad started off his correspondence with letters and tape recordings, but in later life was quick to spot the connecting potential of email and the interweb.

I take my cue from him.

You may remember, I received the most marvellous birthday parcel from Rachel, fellow vintage fabric enthusiast and blogger behind My Rainbow Vintage Home.

It was Rachel’s birthday on Wednesday. Time to repay the favour.

What a perfect excuse to go rummaging in the depths of my fabric cupboards to find suitable choice morsels for her delight!

First up, a bit of Banbury by Colleen Farr, in the yellow colourway:
Next, some barkcloth beauties: Another bit of Banbury, this time in the less-often-seen pastel variation. However, in the picture below it’s somewhat dominated by a piece of vibrant Daisy Spray, from the Firecracker collection by Juliet Glynn-Smith:This napkin should make a nice cushion front, or could be chopped up for patchwork:And you can’t beat a bit of Boras – so sunny and cheerful and with a lovely bit of slub to it!Another sunny number, this gingham-and-floral number is previously unused and as pristeen as the day it was made:There are a few more mystery bits in Rachel’s parcel. But I saved the best until last…

I haven’t used any of this glorious giant blue floral myself yet. But I’m pretty sure Rachel will like it!And finally…

I’ve never even seen any of the following fabric before or since this bit came to my attention.

It is a Moygashel masterpiece, designed for the company by Genia Sapper , who is best known for designing the archetypal mod-floral fabric, Heidi. This spectacular bordered design is called Zoey…

I know now why my dad bothered with all those letters and emails. It’s great to make connections.

And amazing to be able to share an enthusiasm with someone who really gets it.

My family, if they did but know it, should be as grateful to Rachel as I am to all those unknown correspondents of my dad’s, all those years ago.

After all, I can’t understand it myself, but there are those amongst us who find vintage fabrics about as exciting as a lecture on protozoa. ♥