Barkcloth is a favorite fabric for curtains and pillows in mid century houses — and Charley Harper, a beloved mid century illustrator. Now, Birch Organic Fabrics has put the two together in their collection of Charley Harper barkcloth fabrics. There are 10 designs in all, and they begin retail shipping this week from fabricworm.com. Let’s look at some of my favorites from the new collection:
Above: Spring Wildflowers. I love the rich colorways.
Above: Fabric Outing. Charley Harper is particularly well known for his illustrations of animals.
Above: Owltercation. Harper also is known for his whimsy!
Above: Song Sparrow. This would be a happy design to wake up to every morning, don’t you think?
Above” Turnstones come in a nice neutral palette.
Above: I’m also digging Bear in Birches). Very clever!
Harper’s illustrations are also quite graphical (is that a word?), rather than “sentimental.” They actually have a very fresh, current feel, even decades after they were originally designed. Thanks to Birch Fabrics marketing for kindly providing these delicious photos!
Where to buy:
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8 Charley Harper travel posters — still available from U.S. government vintage stockpiles — see story here.
This line of Charley Harper Barkcloth from Birch is available for retail sales at Fabricworm.com, shipping starts July 10
Related stories:
- Read all my stories on where to buy barkcloth today.
- And remember this one? Charley Harper travel posters — cheap — with free shipping — from U.S. government 1980s and 1990s stockpiles — still available!
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Make your own fabric-covered roller shades, plus I do research to cut the kit price 30% 
Retro Design Dilemma: Window treatments for Lori’s mid century modern living room 
Making woven wood-and-yarn Roman shades — a labor-intensive process 
J.C. Penney pinch pleat draperies and Drexel Declaration headboard — latest additions to Troy’s Eichler 
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CarolK says
These fabrics would be perfect for a birder like me. They also remind me of the chicken curtains on the enclosed back porch of this bungalow we rented for a few years. I loved those curtains!
Debbie in Portland says
I inherited a 1920’s wicker furniture set from my parents. The original upholstery is in need of replacement, and I’m thinking barkcloth. I have the Helen Koues “How to Make Slipcovers” booklet. Wish me luck, I haven’t sewn anything since high school!
Pam Kueber says
You can do it, wishing you luck!
lynda says
I have made slipcovers before. If you do some research, there are some tips on making yards and yards of cording on the net. The cushions look a little better with cording/welting. Also, if you already have zippered covers on the cushions, you can take apart the covers and iron them flat and use them as a pattern for your new cushions. Keep one put together so you know exactly how to put the new one together! If the fabric is washable, wash it first so it won’t shrink later when you wash it. You will love the feeling of accomplishment when you are done.
Carolynapplebee says
These are BEAUTIFUL!!! I was about to order new shades for the bedroom. Maybe I should make curtains instead.
Retroski says
I love these! They are “graphical” and retro. I can see them as curtains. Or pillows!
Pamela Nordstrom says
Please check out these VINTAGE fabrics, which are beautifully kept, and come with their own stories…. Brian will work with you for custom looks, and the workmanship is superb. Delicious eye candy.
If you love barkcloth this will make your head spin!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/floridabungalow
Pam Kueber says
Agreed – and I have Florida Bungalow in my big roundup story on all the places I know of where you can find barkcloth >> https://retrorenovation.com/2019/02/04/where-to-buy-barkcloth-places/
Lisanne Freese says
I couldn’t afford the Charlie Harper clothing at REI a while back. It’s obviously loved by customers since none of it has shown up on ebay! Thanks for the link, I just purchased Rocky Mountain and Isle Royale (where my parents dragged me annually for mosquito bites).
Pam Kueber says
🙂
Kay says
If you check the Fabricworm site they have many other Charley Harper fabrics. They don’t all come up if you search Charley Harper unfortunately. There are knits and some nifty Christmas fabrics.
Pam Kueber says
Thanks for the tip! I think you also can see the fabrics on the Birch site, which could help you cross-reference names to search for on fabricworm….