Fabric-induced memories

Alexander Henry Googoo Socks fabric

When I saw this fabric at Seamstar earlier in the week it made me think fondly of Allan Ahlberg illustrations. One of my daughter's favourite books when she was very small was The Baby's Catalogue
- a wonderful book for older babies in which they can choose their favourite cup, highchair or other piece of paraphernalia from a line-up of wonderfully drawn items...a sort of Boden catalogue for babies. We both loved it.

Alexander Henry Googoo* Gear fabric
Seeing these fabrics makes me think of sunny afternoons spent on the sofa at our old house, with my chubby-wristed daughter on my knee. She is no less of a book worm now...but her wrists are more slender. The excitement of seeing this fabric was quickly followed by the odd 'ohhhh' feeling of an internal balloon of fabric-buying happiness being rapidly deflated: I don't think this is a fabric that would appeal to my children now. So I wanted to share it with you...just in case you are still at the stage where you might like to weave this lovely fabric into your stash and make the pictures it shows part of your own children's childhood memories. Allan Ahlberg is very much in the consciousness of my own children... Alexander Henry just arrived a little too late for us with his contribution to such cuteness.

Wishing you a sunshiney weekend,
Florence x

* The only thing that is less lovely about this fabric is the name. Just typing 'googoo' made me shudder, which I think means that I can be found in the loathing-babytalk-camp (other than when it comes directly from the mouth of a delicious baby).
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Comments

  1. Ms C @ HappyElastic28 April 2011 at 16:52

    Oh, it's adorable! My favourite book was Burglar Bill, I really want to knit a pastel striped suit like the baby in the story wore.

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  2. Pomona28 April 2011 at 17:21

    I agree with you about 'googoo' - you wonder whose idea it was! I feel just the same about The Baby's Catalogue - and stare longingly at the lovely little girly dressmaking patterns you can get now. My little girl has now just started secondary school and suddenly doesn't want the things I make any more - I am heartbroken, really, and find myself thinking about grandchildren (my oldest is only 20)!!!

    Have a lovely weekend, anyway!

    Pomona x

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  3. Isobel28 April 2011 at 18:17

    we are currentlt in a babies catalogue mode - love it - and that fabric too

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  4. Jane28 April 2011 at 18:46

    I think Allan Ahlberg picture books are just lovely, my boys loved The Baby Catalogue when they were tiny too. They also loved Each Peach Pear Plum but my favourite was Peepo, with the 1940's illustrations and the baby going to bed at the end! x

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  5. verykerryberry28 April 2011 at 19:15

    I thought exactly the same, it was our favourite baby book too and still comes out if any babies come round

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  6. LOULA BELLE AT HOME28 April 2011 at 19:47

    Yes very cute. Particularly love the socks, but I do have a strange fondness for washing lines!!!!!

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  7. Jo @ life in lists28 April 2011 at 19:49

    I love the Ahlberg's books too, but tragically my toddler is totally disinterested in any book that doesn't involve at least one train/car/boat. Why do boys have to be such BOYS? Ah well, at least I get to buy every single cute Japanese fabric featuring any kind of transportation...

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  8. lukenm29 April 2011 at 08:39

    We loved Peepo and The Baby's Catalogue and the Mr and Miss Books..........Such a lovely rhythm to them. Oh, and we loved Alfie and Annie Rose and all Shirley Hughes illustrations and stories...in the same league and time as Mr Ahlberg

    x

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  9. Ruth29 April 2011 at 17:19

    I thought of Each Peach Pear Plum when I saw these fabrics for the first time too!

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  10. Wendy29 April 2011 at 19:37

    I don't think I know Allan Ahlberg , it kind of reminds me of Richard Scarry though, I loved his books (and in fact still do!)

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  11. Ana30 April 2011 at 21:04

    I came across these fabrics the other day - they're really lovely. Just can't decide what I'd make with them yet.
    The Baby's Catalogue sounds great - Baby Stash is a bit young for it yet but I'm sure it will find it's way on to his bookshelf in the near future.

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  12. Angela4 May 2011 at 00:42

    I thought of Ahlberg as well...bought half a yard of each fabric, just need to decide what to make of it. I am thinking a lovely little baby quilt would be fun, all I need is (another) baby!

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  13. yummy peony5 May 2011 at 18:14

    Silly names indeed for such pretty fabrics!

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  14. Unknown8 May 2011 at 18:07

    I want that sock fabric its so cute. Kx

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  15. Kate at M is for make14 May 2011 at 08:20

    Hi Florence, hope you are ok, haven't heard from you in ages, take care,
    Kate
    x

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  16. Unknown16 May 2011 at 16:58

    We loved the Baby's catalogue - still do, though my babies are now 4 and nearly 6. They still pick out who they are - Cedar is the curly blonde child and Juni is the baby... still!

    Great blog - will read more when the kids are in bed.
    hugs
    Nicky

    www.jumpingjuniper.co.uk

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I now tend to reply within the comments section, so please do check back if you've asked a question or wish to chat.

Florence x