Already, one of the most important mid century product news announcements of the year: Fabric designer Michael Miller is reissuing a whole host of vintage Tammis Keefe fabric designs, with the first wave coming into stores right now. Tammis Keefe was one of the most prolific textile designers during the heart of the baby boom years. Take a look at her vintage handkerchief and tea towel designs on ebay and etsy, and you will see right away what an amazing and spirited talent she was. I had a wonderful conversation last week with Christine Osmers from the Michael Miller team, and she explained that 15 designs should be arriving in stores right about now. They include:
Tammis Dogs — in gray…
…and in red.
Tammis Cats — in gray…
… and yes, in red.
“Hoot” comes in blue…
as well as red…
Unruly Reindeer…
Later Alligator…
Cage Free … and a number of coordinating prints — like dalmation spots to go with the dog prints.
In addition to these 15 prints, Michael Miller has just started promoting four additional prints to retail locations. You won’t be able to get these designs at stores for another few months. They will include:
Out to Lunch (a cotton/linen blend)…
Contented Cats (a cotton/linen blend)…
Snow dots …
And Tammis Keefe angels, in red, or green.
So now that I have calmly laid these designs out in front of you … OH MY GOSH, this is SO EXCITING. I have been a fan of Tammis Keefe for quite a while now. I first came upon her designs when I began a love affair with Tammis Keefe vintage tea towels and handkerchiefs on ebay*. As I mentioned above, she was an incredibly prolific and popular textiles designer from around 1948 to 1960. She also designed under the name Peg Thomas. While Vintage Vera — Vera Neumann — seems to be a big name today — it looks to me like Tammis Keefe was every bit her equal in terms of design skills. Different. But equal. Amazing women, both.
Very sadly, Tammis Keefe died at age 46, of cancer. Very graciously, Michael Miller is donating all royalty equivalents to cancer research. What a spirit this woman had. I would loved to have met her.
Note, these fabrics are all what’s called “cotton shirting” — 100% cotton, except for the two linen/cotton designs indicated. This material is pretty lightweight — targeted in particular at quilters, and it is 44″ wide. (I have not seen it personally, but I think I understand the “weight”, from my sewing experience.) For Retro Renovators, I think that appropriate usages could include: Cafe curtains and valences — line them, maybe. I think you could also piece together some fabulous shower curtains… make aprons… sew your own placemats and kitchen towels… even lightweight clothing. Oh, and quilts, of course. I think I might have to take that up.
You can find the fabric in specialty quilt shops (but not places like Jo-Anns). Christine also says that you can find it online. Update: Readers are reporting you can find this fabric on ebay* and on etsy. Pricing there looks to be about $8.50/yard. *Disclosure: I am an ebay affiliate – I get a teensy spiff from anything you buy there when you click through via my site.
Important links:
- Tammis Keefe fabric line reissued from Michael Miller. (They are a wholesaler.)
- Michael Miller blog posting – Tribute to Tammis Keefe.
Annie B. says
The name “Peg Thomas” sounds so familiar. Did Tammis ever illustrate cookbooks?
These prints are beyond wonderful.
jenn ski says
Those are gorgeous!
pam kueber says
YOU are today’s Tammis Keefe, Jenn Ski!
jenny says
yesssssssss! a flickr friend hipped me to this last week and i’m still picking my jaw up off the floor. SO EXCITING! must get my hands on that birdcage print NOW and cannot cannot WAIT for those contented cats to be released! i see new kitchen curtain making in my near future 🙂
thanks for sharing this great news!!!
pam kueber says
I have to admit, those contented cats are purring at me… luv the harvest gold, too! Oh, and welcome, FreckleWonder, it’s about time you started commenting!
jenny says
tee hee! thanks for the welcome– happy to join this party! 🙂
CouldBeVeronica says
These prints would make great duvet covers–washable, not too weighty. A great alternative to the princess and Transformer stuff available for kids, and a great way to bring a little stylish whimsy into an adult bedroom.
Oh–and tablecloths!
pam kueber says
Great ideas!
Felicity says
Totally wonderful! Can’t wait to ge my hands on some.
RetroRuth says
OMG! Awesome! I have been wanting the cat and kitten print for forever. Way to go Michael Miller, and way to report Pam! 🙂
pam kueber says
thank you, retro ruth! 😉
stacey says
Michael Miller fabric is amazing to begin with, this release makes him my hero. I forsee some cafe curtains or pillow covers in my future!
His fabric can be found online at http://www.equilter.com as well.
pam kueber says
Thanks, Stacy, for the vote of confidence on the fabrics in general. I am not a quilter so am not familiar with this market…
stacey says
I posted that before my coffee. To expand, yes M. Miller fabrics are quality cottons. I’ve used them to quilt, make tablecloths, pillow shams, purses, etc. He has always created retro-50’s themed fabrics and it’s funny because I was looking the other night and found that he’s created some great 60’s themed designs like “modern home” and “modern family” complete with eames furniture etc.
The Tammis Keefe line has already hit equilter.com -> anyone can just type in Tammis Keefe on their search bar and 5 of the patterns are available.
linda blackmore says
Could make some cute blouses and dresses, too. Too, too cute.
Ali says
Woo to the hoo! We’re in the final stages of a retro/mod re-do (un-do?) of the kitchen in our 1946 cape code and have been searching like mad for the right fabric for cafe curtains. I painted the cabinets aqua and our main accent color is red, so there are at least a couple possibilities among the new releases.
pam kueber says
That’s what I meant to say: Woo to the hoo!
Jeanne says
ooooooooooooh. I want one of each. 🙂 They could be incorporated into throw pillows probably, too. Aprons would be cute.