We’re a few days into December and for this week’s Fabric Focus, we thought we’d highlight a couple of brands that we’ve haven’t really had the opportunity to dive into here in The Craft Room. There’s not a year that goes by where we’re not enchanted by what French General have to offer; with some exciting things both here and coming soon, we thought it would be the perfect time to dive into their history and what makes this brand such a highlight in Moda’s bank of designers.
Spanning over fifteen years, Moda and French General’s time together is impressive to say the least. With their signature design style applauded release-on-release, French General have amassed quite the following and show no signs of slowing down. Their beginnings, however, take us back to 1992 in New York City. From their website, they offer:
Kaari began designing jewelry for Bergdorf Goodman after graduating from the jewelry program at FIT in New York City in 1992. In need of a hat pin, Kaari designed a collection of pins and presented them to the jewelry buyer at the monthly open-buy day. The buyer at Bergdorf’s bought all of Kaari’s designs and requested a full collection of jewelry for their cases. Using vintage glass beads, buttons and notions, Kaari created a unique look that appealed to many who were looking for vintage inspired jewelry. […]”
They continue:
“In 1997, the year Kaari’s daughter Sofia was born, the business evolved into French General, which began as a retail store on Crosby Street in New York City’s Soho district. Filled with apothecary jars brimming with vintage notions, Kaari and her sister Molly began selling a French-inspired lifestyle that included textiles, notions, ephemera, and household items found only in France.
In 2003, Kaari and her family moved to Los Angeles and […] opened up one day a week for people to come in and browse their ever changing collections that they collected on yearly trips to the South of France.”
Present day, French General hold workshops covering a number of different disciplines, including stitching, jewellery making, indigo dyeing and much more. Alongside a wonderfully bustling business, both Kaari and her husband, JZ, have written numerous books, offering readers a closer look at the French General lifestyle that they’ve created and curated over the years. The company also offer retreats, including trips to France to basque in creativity, its markets and delicacies. For more information about French General, be sure to visit their site HERE.
Rouenneries Trois
As we wait for the latest collection, Joie De Vivre, to arrive in the warehouse, we thought we’d revisit our own French General favourite in Rouenneries Trois. When talking about the inspiration for the collection, French General had this to say via their lookbook:
“Over 15 years ago, Moda asked us to design a collection of French-inspired prints, filled with the old reds and neutrals that were popular in France in the 18th and 19th centuries.
We called our first fabric collection Rouenneries and it is, still to this day, one of our favorites. Since then, we designed Rouenneries Deux and in September 2024, […] Rouenneries Trois — the third in a series of antique florals and small prints in a traditional French palette.”
It’s clear to see that their designs and style have some serious staying power. Offering vintage designs continues to resonate with so many, and with dozens of projects and patterns both Kaari and JZ design, quilters are rarely ever short of inspiration from the pair.
Coming Soon – Joie De Vivre
Arriving shortly is French General’s Joie De Vivre and it’s one we’re certainly excited to see in person. Featuring classic tones and shades such as Rouge, Tea and Pearl Roche, this range feels quintessentially themselves as it could ever be. When talking the inspiration behind their latest collection, French General offer via their lookbook:
“Joie de Vivre is a soft and subtle interpretation of early 19th century French prints and is evocative of an old French parlor room or a lady’s dressing room. The larger multi-colored floral prints lend themselves to floral fussy cutting – a wonderful way to create pretty appliqués and hexagons. Out of all of the collections we have done in the past fifteen years with Moda, this is our very favorite and it will blend perfectly with our past collections. “
We’d have to agree! Taking a look at the selections above, our favourites would have to be the Cosmos, Moineau and Angelique – yet we’re sure that our favourites will miraculously expand as soon as this stunning collection arrives in the fabric room! To view the full collection and sign up for notification emails, be sure to click HERE.
French General Basics
Over the years, French General and Moda have released many linen textures to tone in beautifully with their patterned collections. Yet for many, the use of these blenders are just the ticket to use on their own.
Featured in their more traditional tones, such as Pale Rose, Faded Red and Garance, the collection also sees beautiful other colourways shine, such as Woad Blue, Tea, and Verte.
We’re sure that as time continues with French General, we’ll see more textures filter in to their main colour palette. They’re a joy to match and work with, making many quilter’s lives that much easier when it comes to the range of colours available already.
To view the French General Basics range, simply click HERE.
Well, that’s all from us for this week’s Fabric Focus, we hope you’ve enjoyed this little deep dive into all things French General! If you’re enjoying what you’re seeing in The Craft Room, consider subscribing below! ⤵️✨