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| Douglas and Hope |
| We uncover a treasure trove nestled in Melbourne's Fitzroy. |
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Douglas and Hope is a great little store nestled in Fitzroy and full of pretty treasures. A breathtaking range of silk and cotton quilts on display, as well as pillows, floor cushions, and a natural skin care range designed by one of the owners. And don't just buy a quilt — learn the craft and make one yourself.
The quilts come in a range of designs and sizes, some are hand made by Cathy. Most of the quilts are designed and put together by Paul and Cathy, but machine stitched by various sewers throughout Victoria. The quilt prices start at about $450 up to around $1000.
Cathy and Paul met in England and it was Cathy who introduced Paul to quilts. Cathy had learnt quilting many years before from her Aunt, and passed the craft on to Paul. He had always liked quilts, but Cathy sparked a passion for it. In London, Paul had worked in the clothing industry, but worked in Melbourne as a kindergarten teacher before opening the store.
Cathy had been working on her clothing line for three or four years before introducing it to the store. After visiting another home industry, Cathy and Paul fell in love with the idea of working from home, and just having their lives immersed in their own store doing what they love with the convenience of living in the same building.
About four or five months after opening, they started quilting classes, which they teach in their home behind the shop. It is an eight week course that runs for two hours each night, where they learn to make a traditional style quilt. The students come in all age groups, both male and female, with five or six people in each class.
It wasn't easy finding a shop and home in one, and their main priority has been to find a shop. But, with the help of a friend, they found just what they wanted. The house and shop were in very good condition and just needed a little tidying up, apart from the lounge room upstairs that needed painting, as it was a murky green colour.
The location was just what they were after, being tucked away from a busy main shopping strip. It reminded them of London, walking down side streets to find a gem of a shop among houses. Cathy also has a studio about 10 minutes away where she designs her clothes and makes up samples and patterns.
The fabric for the quilts and cushions is mostly silk, and some cotton. The Kimonos are silk, but the source of their main supply is a secret.
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More Info
Douglas and Hope is located at 80 Johnston St, Fitzroy, Victoria
Ph: 03 9417 0662 for information on the store and Quilting classes.
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Disclaimer
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