We are sisters Kerry and Tara. We come from a family rich in textile history with both our father & grandfather working in the Irish linen trade. Kerry has over 10 years experience in the soft furnishing industry working with domestic and commercial projects. Tara worked weekends in our father’s fabric shop and has a keen eye for interiors along with an array of experience in marketing and online skills to bring to the business.
Sisters and Sons
As sisters we have worked closely already turning what was a hobby blog 'Sisters and Son's' which we both set up on maternity leave into a side-line business. We both enjoyed sharing our birth story's and day to day life as new mums while sharing our other passion (interiors) as we both took on new build and self build projects.
Kerry has three boys and Tara has two, all ranging from age 1-6.
It was on Kerry's third maternity leave she started Cloth and Grain. It was a gap in the market that prompted her to do it. Scouring Instagram and Pinterest for wares for her new home she came across framed vintage rug fragments and instantly wanted to purchase, however she was quickly stopped in her tracks when nobody would ship outside the US.
After initially selling framed vintage rug fragments, the requests for full vintage rugs quickly followed. Working closely and building relationships with suppliers in Turkey meant she was able to meet the demand that followed.
‘There was a very clear gap in the market and I knew if I didn’t do it and someone else did I’d be absolutely kicking myself, that’s what spurred me on’
Vintage Rugs
Each rug we sell is unique and as well as serving a practical purpose these rugs also act as a statement piece, a work of art in their own right adding charm and character to any room. Vintage rugs are extremely durable and offer a sense of practicality along with design, a rare combination in soft furnishings.
Offering large area rugs, runners and mini's we also have a range of cushions incorporating the Turkish vintage rug fragments which again make for a real statement scatter cushion.
Soft Furnishing
As the brand has grown and with the juggles and costs of childcare we decided to come together to push the business further offering not only the vintage rugs online but also offering a mobile soft furnishing consultancy service from the comfort of our clients homes, self builds, renovations and commercial projects.
Appreciating how busy life can be, working around both our clients and children our mobile consultancy service works for both us and our customers. Viewing both rugs and fabrics in your home along with an experienced eye to talk through the best window treatment for your space. We work through all the steps from initial consultation to fitting.
Seeing colours and textures in clients homes, natural light and against their flooring, wall finishes etc. help in the decision making process and also in the planning stages when it comes to new builds thinking ahead with the likes of recessed and motorised curtain tracks are something that needs to be considered much earlier on in the process.
You can get more info on our consultancy service here.
‘We’re very focused on natural fabrics. They’re very soft, all about texture and a neutral colour palette but adding in earthy tones. The curtains, blinds and fabrics we’re working with will really compliment the rugs and help create that whole pulled-together look. In terms of the rugs, a lot of people are now asking for something to be sourced particularly for them which makes it really personal.’
We are both so excited to work together and to continue to grow the business meeting our clients needs of a fuss free service.
*Quote extracts taken from our recent interview with Irelands Home Interiors and Living Magazine.
