Not a patch on these…

If you think about patchwork it usually conjures up some seventies throwback to a country look that you are most likely to see in twee Bed and Breakfast’s up and down the country. However it may be time to rethink patchwork as it is reinvented as edgy by top designers.

We have already seen it on the catwalk at Chloe and Moschino’s spring/summer shows and DKNY and Missoni’s autumn/winter shows so it is not completely unexpected that it now slips over into other areas of our lives.

We knew a revolution was occurring when we spied the patchwork cake by Fancy Nancy. The cake and fancy company has teamed up with local graphic and textile designer Francis Dee to create a stunning range of cakes and cookie featuring Francis’s designs as a pattern on the icing or in this case a patchwork of patterns! It is gorgeously different and perfect for afternoon soirees.

Then I happened upon this bright range of ecco bags made from recycled sweet wrappers. Nahai Ollin produce a huge range of stylish green handbags and purses perfect for adding some color to an outfit without forgoing design. Their bags are made from recycled materials such as newspapers and sweet wrappers using an ancient Mayan technique meaning you can look good and do your bit for the environment! The tote featured here is available for £256.00 from Global Luggage.

As we mentioned Missoni used patchwork in their autumn 2010 Pret a Porter collection and this has also been reflected in their homeware collection. This Missoni Home patchwork plate is £136 from Occa-home.

And kids don’t have to miss out on the trend either. Elmer the Elephant has always been a hit with the kids due to his colourful coat. Brightening up any bedroom, it is time for an Elmer revival! Click to buy the Elmer soft toy, £5.49 from Amazon.

And thanks to the street cred of Urban Outfitters, patchwork doesn’t have to be quaint in the bedroom. Using a combination of funky retro prints, their patchwork flower quilt (£95.00, Urban Outfitters) brightens up a room. Just make sure the rest of the room is demure neutrals to really appreciate the design.

Even the cast iron British cooker has had a makeover and been patched back to life. Eco designer Oliver Heath has put his personal touch to the Rayburn cooker. “Patchwork is synonymous with much loved, hand crafted items,” Oliver says. “So I felt this concept was a perfect fit for Rayburn cookers whose presence is both much loved and the focal point for the home of many who own one.”

Furniture gets a reimagining as it is lovingly patched with fabrics that can reflect the owner, her life and tastes. We spend as much time on our sofa as in our most comfortable pair of jeans, which means we want it to be equally comfortable, flattering and stylish. This double-ended chaise from Squint was commissioned for £4000. And it is not just traditional upholstery that is being patched, lamp shades, lamps, tables and stools are also getting a material makeover. Squint beds are another fabulous statement piece if the rest of the bedroom is kept white!

So that’s the patch trend sewn up!