On a recent trip to London, I stopped into the grand old West End department store, Liberty of London. It’s a lovely building—founded and built by Sir Arthur Liberty in 1875, in the Tudor Revival style with a classic half-timbered front. Inside, it features ornate woodwork, old-fashioned staircases, and open galleries with decorative wooden railings around a 4-story skylit atrium.

But I really went for the fabrics—those charming prints that just say “England” to me and to lots of other fabric lovers. They include the signature Tana Lawn florals and the wonderful William Morris-style prints, along with many others. They were there in abundance—bolt after bolt, tastefully displayed on the elegant wood shelves and nooks of the historic sewing department like works of art. Unfortunately, they were also priced like works of art (for me, at least). Around 18 pounds (about 27 dollars) a metre. I couldn’t afford to buy, but I browsed all the charming notions and small items made of Liberty fabrics. I got some lovely buttons and was tempted by the amazing trims but didn’t have time to do them justice.

So I had to be content with my little purchases and with the delightful experience of just being in that elegant building. When I got home, I rummaged in my sewing room and found Liberty items from other trips I made to London years ago. Then, the store sold lots of cute little items that I could afford. Here’s my tiny collection:

Hankie, tape measure doll, scissors doll, my new buttons, and the prize—my sewing basket, which my Mom bought me as a gift. Now that’s a real treasure!

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