Pom Pom de Paris by French General + Giveaway - The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog

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Pom Pom de Paris by French General + Giveaway

341 Comments

So graceful and elegant, Kaari from French General always seems to hit that mark right on par with her fabric lines.  Pom Pom de Paris is no different and this time she even brought in some new colors to make the line a bit more bright and cheerful. Let’s welcome Karri to the ‘stage’ so we can find out what her new line is all about!




Pom Pom de Paris was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century. Our collection of fabric is filled with inspiration from early French gardens filled with roses, leaves, birds and even thorns. Each of the fabric designs were based on early 19th century French rural florals. I love this collection of fabric – it’s warm and cheery while still being very typically French rural.

The inspiration behind the colors of Pom Pom de Paris were taken directly from an old French garden behind a 14th century home we often stay at in St. Antonin Noble Val – in the South of France. The bedroom windows all look down onto a beautiful wild garden filled with overgrown rose bushes, lavender, rosemary, dahlias and agapanthus. Soft pinks, yellows, old reds and grassy greens are all a part of the Pom Pom line – welcoming in the Spring garden.

We have designed a wonderful quilt to go along with the Pom Pom line, filled with borders and birds. We are new to the patterns business, but have found some talented artists and sewers to help us design new patterns and exciting projects. I working on some smaller patchwork pillows for our sun room using the linen/cotton fabric as well.

Besides designing fabric for Moda, we are also planning a Woad Workshop featuring master dyer, Denise Lambert, who will be visiting Los Angeles in April to teach a class about the medieval art of dying with the French flower, woad, which rhymes with road. Every summer at our Chateau Getaway, Denise teaches this workshop and everyone leaves with a suitcase filled with the old French blue – or Napoleon Blue – it is a magical day. For more information or to sign up for the workshop, visit us at Frenchgeneral.com. To view images click here.

-Kaari

And what do you know– we have another giveaway! Kaari was kind enough to donate a Pom Pom de Paris pattern and fat quarter bundle! To enter leave a comment on this post telling me the most interesting fact you learned from Kaari about Pom Pom de Paris.  You have until Apil 7th to enter. 


Good luck!

341 comments

  3. The Pom Pom de Paris was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century – Wow, the small things that give us such inspiration. I am a big fan of French General and would love the fabric. Thank you for the giveaway.

  4. I think the fact that she researches her history so well and is willing to go outside of her normal time period, which few historians like to do.
    I just adore the way she melds the different feels, looks and periods together in a way that really feeds the fabric such life.

  5. Love the colors in this line, it is like stepping into a french garden. I love the fact that she designed the line around an actual garden where they stay in the South of France. I can just imagine designing a bedroom around the colors and theme.

    Debbie

  6. As a gardener, my ears perked up at it being the name of a 1st place rose at the first rose exhibition. Then, the woad workshop sounds wonderful!

  7. I loved hearing about the inspiration behind the fabric line. Very generous giveaway and opportunity. Please include me. Judy C

  8. I had no idea there was a flower named Pom Pom de Paris that had won first place at an exhibition. Love the fact the colours are based on that garden Kaari overlooks when staying in France. It must be a magical place!

  9. I did not previously know that Pom Pom de Paris was the name of a flower. How cute!

    Love this fabric…and anything French!

  10. I also had no idea that Pom Pom De Paris was the name of an award winning rose. It is a beautiful line of fabrics and great quilt pattern. Would love to see it in the Napoleon blues and soft yellows too!! Thank You for the chance to win. Cyndi

  11. I especially enjoyed reading about the real garden that inspired the fabric collection. The colors are beautiful.

  15. I thought it was interesting that so much research went into designing the fabric. Each detail of the flowers and garden {even the thorns!} are carefully considered.

  16. I had no idea that Pom pom de Paris was a rose ! What a fitting name for the fabric line .
    Dora Dis

  17. Wow to stay in the south of France and look down on an old garden to get color inspiration is fantastic! And I didn't know a woad was a flower used in dying. Very interesting! Thanks for the fun!

  18. I love it that she says "each of the fabric designs were based on early 19th century French rural florals." How great of a garden would that make…hmmm, might be an idea!

  19. Kaari seems to find inspiration in everything from reading about her. This collection was inspired by 19th century French rural florals. They are just beautiful. Also wish I could attend her Woad Workshop in Los Angels. Thanks for the chance to win this collection. It is stunning!

  22. How cool to learn about the inspiration behind the design – it's amazing where inspiration can flow from, I never thought before about how a collection was named!

  23. How the designs are based on southern France, and how she was inspired by staying there! Thanks for the great giveaway, love the fabric!

  26. It's always fun to hear about the inspiration behind different lines and how wonderful that it has a personal meaning reminiscent of her stay in St. Antonin Noble Val.

  27. Well, Here I am, looking directly at my favourite framed print- Monet's "Le Jardin De L'Artiste". 🙂 I lOVE gardens and was so interested to read about Kaari's inspiration for this new design. I did not know that Pom Pom De Paris was an actual flower. I love this gorgeous range. Thanks for the chance to win, not only the fabric but the lovely pattern as well!! 🙂 Sandy.

  29. Talking about woad briefly here tweaked my interests, especially the leaving to go home with suitcases full of blue fabric… I love love love blue. Haven't ever heard of Woad before, will have to look it up and read more on it!

  30. I really enjoy reading the inspiration stories from all the designers. It's great to be able to put an accurate time and location on the colours used, France is such a great and stylish place to visit.

  32. the most interesting fact that i learned was that the inspiration for the line came directly from that lovely home in the south of france! Very exciting!

  34. Hi, I love all French Generals fabrics and it was lovely to learn that all story lines come from inspirations in nature. How lovely to be so inspired.

  37. What a treat to learn where this gorgeous line came from. I knew very little of the gardens in France but I felt I was there basking in all that color. I loved that there is a flower called Pom Pom. Thanks for sharing the interesting tidbits!

  38. I love the name Pom Pom de Paris. It's fun to say. It just rolls off my tongue. I was surprised to learn that it was an actual name of a flower that won the first Parisian Rose show. Also, it was interesting to learn that the actual colors were inspired from a garden in the south of France. Love French General fabrics!

  40. the most interesting thing for me (even though most of it was!) is that the colour palette is based on an actual garden, as well as being a good tidbit I think it also adds to the appeal of the entire range now!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win the bundle.

  42. The folks who get to attend the Chateau Getaway are so lucky! Sounds devine! I had no idea why this fabric line was named as it was and now know about the flower! Creative thought all the way around!

  43. It was the first winner in the first rose festival. That is remarkable. The rose us my favorite flower. I would be so thankful to win this. I would like a quilt for my bed. Thank you Fat Quarter Shop.

  44. The colors came from the garden that Kaari overlooks in the bedroom where she stays in France. OH MY!! I am green with envy but so grateful that she is sharing the inspiration. Beautiful fabrics. Thank you so much.

  45. I think it is interesting to learn where the name of the fabric comes from. Who would have guessed Pom Pom de Paris was the name of a rose! Beautiful colors!

  46. I never knew that Pom Pom de Paris was actually a flower. I have some wonderful memories of a study abroad program in Arcachon and Bordeaux, France. It's wonderful to hear that the color inspirations came from a garden in the south of France. This fabric is so beautiful and really does remind me of the that summer.

  47. It's interesting to hear why a designer picks the colors they do and that this one is for the garden you see behind a fourteenth century house. Wow! I've never been in anything that old and with that much history.

  48. oh Kaari has such a fascinating life and history, so cosmopolitian in lifestyle!! She is a great lover of colour, and a very passionate and inspiring designer,recently I learned that she is also an avid vintage glass bead collector!!

  49. I have never heard of the name, or the history behind it. history was not my best subject, very pretty fabric, love the colors.
    thanks
    stacey

  51. "was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century". who knew?? i love history…so hearing more of the inspiration and history of this fabric makes me love it even more!

  52. That "Pom Pom De Paris" was the name of an older rose – how interesting and unusual because Pom Pom doesn't really sound like an old name. Of course I had to google it (Pompom De Paris Rose)- what a pretty rose it is.

  53. That she gets to stay at and 14th Century home in the South of France. I can't imagine staying in a house that old. We're only just over 200 years old here in Australia!

  54. cool to know about the flower contest. but Kaari is such an amazing teacher…teaching us without even us realizing it half the time!

  55. How neat that a medieval dying technique is still being taught today! The fabrics in this collection are beautiful and appropriately named for the lovely prize winning rose.

  56. it was very interesting hearing about Kaari's inspiration for the new Pom Pom de Paris line. i can just picture the old French garden!I've always loved old gardens!

  58. I was completely surprised that the name of the new collection Pom Pom de Paris was actually the name of an award winning flower. I also loved the fact that she took her color inspiration from a garden behind a 14th century home in the South of France. How would it be to waken every morning and look out your bedroom window to the view of a beautiful garden like that. OH…Heavenly!!! Thanks so much for sharing the details of this design. It is really beautiful and I adore the butterflies in the prints too. Thanks also for a chance to have some of this beautiful fabric.

  61. I learned this line is named after a rose that won first place at exhibition in Paris in the early 1800's. Cool! 🙂 And thanks for the giveaway chance!

  62. I like where they got the inspiration for the colors. I would love to see such a beautiful garden. The name of the flower which gave inspiration for the fabric line name is interesting too.

  65. I often wonder where the names for collections come from, so learning that Pom Pom de Paris is the name of a real flower was a treat.

  67. I learnt that the colors of Pom Pom de Paris were taken directly from an old French garden behind a 14th century home that she stays at in South of France and I love every range that Kaari's designed for moda and that they can all be mixed with each other.

  70. I found it interesting that this fabric line was based on history. I never knew Pom Pom de Paris was a flower that won in an exhibition!

  71. I love learning about the inspiration of fabric…particularly this beautiful line of fabric. A french garden would be lovely to see in person. Thanks for the chance to win some of this beautiful line.

  72. What a nice story about the inspiration for the fabric and naming the collection after the first rose competition winner. Makes me want to visit France!

  75. Not so much a fact, but I love picturing the garden in the south of France which inspired the colors 🙂 My husband is French and I love visiting his family there and looking at the beauty of the colors and history there!

  76. I had wondered about the name and now I know! I love that she takes the time to tie in the name of the line with the motifs. The fabric colours are beautiful!

  78. I absolutely love this fabric line! I had no idea the name comes from a flower that won first place at a rose exhibition. Just beautiful.

  79. I love working with jelly rolls and have just finished a great quilt. I am ready to start a quilt using chisel templates. These fabrics would make me very happy.

  82. Beautiful fabric and I loved learning the origin of their name. Charming!!

    What a wonderful giveaway…many thanks for a chance to win!

  83. Loved her description of the lovely french garden. Also that it was named after a real rose. Fabric is really beautiful

  85. I love the name of the French General fabric lines since the first one (Rouenneries–which was hard to learn to say correctly!). Pom Pom de Paris is also taken from early 19th century France; this time a first place winning rose. Not only does Kaari design the most beautiful fabrics but teaches a little French history too.

  87. Pom Pom de Paris is an actual flower name. I thought it was just a bright clever name for the fabric. Thanks for a chance to win.

  88. I also was surprised to learn that Pom Pom de Paris was a name of an actual flower. I too thought it was just a cute french phrase for a fabric line. This is a beautiful collection and lucky is the person who wins it. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway.

  89. I love the fact that the flowers themselves lent their colors to the color way. As a gardener, that inspires me.

    Thanks for the opportunity.

  91. I love learning new french words from her! This line is beautiful and I've already made one quilt featuring the toile print! Now I'm working on a larger quilt with the same basic design. Thanks for the lovely fabric!

  93. I love that the collection was inspired by a French garden, I would love to go there. How very poetic, just perfect for a collection named after a rose.
    Katie
    knygh[at]hotmail[dot]com

  96. The most interesting thing I learned is that the South of France is warm enough to have wild Dahlias! We have to dig them up and store inside to keep them going here. I also learned of a plant called agapanthus which I must now google to see what that is!
    Thanks for the chance to win such beautiful fabric!
    Cheers,
    Carolyn

  97. I love the concept of the woad workshop…what a fun idea. I never knew there was something like that. Love the pinks and yellows…so very happy!!

  98. I love the idea of all the bedrooms looking down on the garden – how relaxing! Love those pinks and yellows!

  99. I didn't know that the name came from a French flower…. and a rose, no less! Thanks for the info! Hope I have a chance to play with these beautiful fabrics!

  100. I love that these were inspired by an actual garden in the South of France. I'd LOVE to see the real flowers. The fabric is gorgeous! I'd LOVE to have the collection!

  101. I didn't know they had woad workshops! Now I'm intrigued by the idea of woad-dyed fabrics.

    But the Pom Pom de Paris line looks beautiful – traditional and elegant!

  103. Kaari's attention to detail is wonderful. I love that Pom Pom de Paris is the name of the flower that won first place in the rose exhibition, that the colors were inspired by the garden and the designs based on French rural florals from the early 19th century. It's fascinating to me to learn about the fabric design process and what inspires her to create the resulting line of fabric. Thanks!

  104. Learning about French culture is always interesting, even if it is about a flower! Very interesting history & nature lesson! I just LOVE southern France, so these floral tidbits have just added to my love of France.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  109. I love hearing where designers get their inspiration from. So interesting to hear it was after a French garden

  110. I enjoyed reading about the inspiration for the design and about the early French rose. The fabric is really pretty- such great colors. Thanks for the chance to enter such a nice giveaway.
    Regards from Western Canada,
    Anna

  111. What a wonderful line of fabrics.
    I did not know that Pom Pom was a rose and I love roses. Would be a great idea to fid out whether this rose is still on the market, so I could buy one to plant in my garden.
    Have a great day
    Ineke

  112. I learned many interesting facts! My favorite is the inspiration behind the colors of Pom Pom de Paris! Just reading that makes me feel as though I'm right there looking at the garden! The other thing I learned is that I've been living under a rock…French General has a shop *this close* to me and I didn't know this… and I'm in love with French blue and had no idea it was 'woad'! That was fun to learn!

  114. It's interesting to know the origin of the name given to this collection – the fact the name was for the winning rose. Thanks for sharing this!

  115. I have a layer cake in Pom pom du Paris so a fat quarter bundle would go with it very nicely! I was surprised to learn there was an actual flower called Pom Pom due Paris. Thanks for the giveaway.

  116. I can almost see that wild garden that gave the inspiration for the colours for this collection. I love a slightly wild garden (or is that just my gardening style). So pretty

    Wendy

  117. SO love this fabric line! I enjoyed hearing about where the inspiration comes from, and especially the name. Who would know that Pom Pom de Paris was a prize-winning flower in the early 19th century? Love learning little tidbits of history. 🙂

  118. I now know that the name 'Pom Pom de Paris' belongs to a winning flower.

    The fabric collection is so beautiful and very tasteful. I would love to win this bundle!! Thanks for this chance ! 🙂

    greetings
    Kat

  120. It was interesting to learn that Pom Pom de Paris was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century 😀

  122. I found it interesting that the colors came from an old French Garden, I just figured Kaari was tired of all the red tones in her previous lines and thought she would change it up by adding yellow……I like Kaari's version so much better than mine!

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  123. It was nice to read all this background information about Pom Pom de Paris fabric collection. I'm wondering if there is still somewhere in France a garden where this Pom Pom de Paris rose grows? How would it look and smell? Hmm…

  124. Wonderful to learn that Pom Pom de Paris is an actual flower name – you can't get any romantic sounding than that! Thanks so much.

  126. I loved learning that your inspiration is a real garden in the South of France! And also about the origin of the name, Pom Pom de Paris, for this line. Thanks so much for the generous giveaway!

  127. What a beautiful way to design fabric, be inspired by a french garden. Thankyou for telling us the story behind this very pretty fabric. I was interrested in the fabric dying and the Woad flower sounds facinating.

  128. oh, sigh, such a lovely fablic, I already 'fondled' some in my LQS.
    I love learning about the story 'behind' the fabric, esp. when it involves history. I didn't even know there was a real flower/rose called PomPom.
    Thank you so much for a chance to winn. For now I'l play with my Rouenneries LOL.

  130. Love France. I was in Monet's garden last spring and saw the most incredible flowers, trees and designs. I'd love to make this quilt from Pom Pom de Paris as a remembrance of that trip.

  131. It's a prize-winning rose name??? AWESOME! I adore roses, and get to start a rose garden this year! I'm going to have to see if I can find it, or anything similar. Thanks for the giveaway chance!

  133. For me the most interesting fact I learned was that the inspiration for the fabric line came from a garden behind a place they often stay at. I could just picture that garden in my mind.

  136. I loved learning about the actual flower and then her description of the garden made me want to get on a plane and go there and see it for myself!!

  138. I just thought Pom Pom de Paris was a cute name for fabric. I had no idea that it was actually a rose. I just love this fun, sophisticated fabric. The hits keep coming from French General!

  139. I love that Kaari said the designs included not only the florals, but the occaisional thorn. Poignant, but beautiful reminder that life isn't always perfect and there will be the rough point from time to time, but it all comes together to be part of a bigger picture!

  141. I have to admit when I first saw pictures of the new fabric line, I thought Pom Pom de Paris was just a cute name. I had no clue that it was named after an actual flower at the first rose show. That is really cool.

    When I was in high school, I was taught by an order of nuns that was founded in France. I remember one of the sisters telling us that their original habit was made of the same fabric as the French peasants wore and it was dyed with woad. I would love to take a class and learn how to do it.

  142. such a beautiful line, as always. I find it interesting that you are getting into the patter side of the business. Of course, French General is always beautiful sitting prettily on display to be petted.:)Dee

  143. I forgot to say that I was interested to find out that so many of the flowers were from the 19th century and that they are still around in St. Antonin Noble Val!

  144. I thought it was interesting that the flower won first place in a rose exhibition, early 19th century. What a great inspiration for a fabric line!

  146. Greetings from Northern Saskatchewan CANADA! Wow – another beautiful line from French General! How do they do it? I would love to go on one of their retreats! The Woad Workshop sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing such a great story about this line!
    Catheirne

  147. I never would have guessed that a flower called Pom Pom de Paris would be a rose rather than a chrysanthemum or even dahlia. Thanks for sharing and the opportunity to win!

  148. I learned several things-you have an annual Chateau Getaway, which sounds wonderful! Also learned about the Woad Workshop on fabric dying with the woad flower-that would be fascinating!! Love French General fabrics, thanks for the giveaway!

  150. I love the description of the garden with roses and lavender! Sounds beautiful!

  151. I love French General and this line! I learned that the name of the line was from an award winning flower, I love the description of the garden which was inspiration, sounds so beautiful!

  152. This is a beautiful line of fabric. Yet another from French General. I love the idea of old French gardens. How inspiring for them! Thank you for the opportunity to win.
    Mary

  153. We'd never know the research that goes into a fabric line unless we are told. Basing this line on a cottage garden in the south of France adds to the romantic useability of the fabric.

  154. Learning the words Pom Pom de Paris and Woad made my day! I love words and I love Pink (the rose, yellow and cream are awesome too) — beautiful fabric again Kaari!

  157. What a beautiful story, I also didn't know that the Pom Pom de Paris was famous!
    Thank you for the chance at the giveaway!

  159. I am like most everyone else. I had no idea that Pom Pom de Paris was the name of a prize winning rose. And I also did not know that woad was also a flower.
    This is a lovely fabric line and I would love to have a chance at winning

  161. I didn't know that they got to do hands on dyeing at the retreat. How fun would that be?!?

    Also good to know the line wasn't named after the Paris Cheerleaders. 🙂

  163. I have been hearing alot about Pom Pom de PAris on the various blogs that I read. I simply believed that the title had been choosen because it was fun. That Pom Pom de Paris is the name of an actual rose & that the fabrics were inspired by an actual garden makes the fabric line even MORE appealing to me than it was originally. Hats off to Kaari!

  164. I was surprised to learn that Pom Pom de Paris is the actual name of a real flower. I thought it was a name that Kaari made up for this line.

  169. I did not know that the Pom Pom de Paris was a flower. I find that fascinating. I will have to do some searching to find out what it looks like.

  170. I thought is was interesting that the inspiration behind the colors of Pom Pom de Paris were taken directly from an old French garden behind a 14th century home. Thanks for the opportunity to enter this wonderful giveaway.

  171. I learned that pom pom de paris was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century.

    Shawn in Michigan

  172. I didn't know this line was inspired by a rose exhibition. Makes perfect sense! Everything French General does is exquisite!

  173. I'm new to the quilting world. Last year I was too late to aquir the generals fabrics for their chosen pattern. I am delighted to learn that the fabrics and colors are derived from the actual French
    country side.

    Sally
    sallyschocolates@aol.com

  174. Gosh I wish I could go to the workshop! I clicked over to look at the pictures-look at those blues.

    "Oh, woad is me! I'm so blue I could dye!"

  175. Gardens are such inspirations but not everyone will have the opportunity to visit one in the South of France so she is bringing it to us in her fabrics. I think this is a beautiful line and thanks to all who make a great pattern and this fabric available for everyone to have a chance to win some for their use. This is definitely one I will adding to my stash. linda@lynchburg.net

  177. Didnt know Pom Pom de Paris was a rose, that even won an exhibition! I love roses and love their histories :o)

  178. I love the story about the garden being the color inspiration. The fact that it is old and overgrown congurs up a special kind of beauty…maybe something you can only find in France…thank you

  179. I think it is wonderful that she took this fabric and its colors from a flower garden from her youth. Her love for that garden shows in it's beauty.

  180. There is opposition in all things. I love this beautiful fabric but am intrigued by the fact that you included the rose thorns too!

  181. I wondered how Kaari got the name for the fabric line and now I know. It's a lovely line. I'm always a sucker for pink, cream, and red. The yellow is a nice touch.

  182. I Love French Gerneral! Thank you for the History on how they designed the new line. I dabble is gardening and found the info on the pom pom de paris and the woad interesting. I can just picture the beautiful french gardens. I would love to create the quilt pattern by using the fat quarters for the giveaway. I would love to join the workshop to improve my technique on learning to dye. I have played a little but have much to learn. becky

  183. It is interesting that a winning rose was the inspiration for this fabric. I love the colors, especially the soft yellow mixed in with the red & can't wait to get some of this.

  189. I love learning how about the name of the fabric came to be – after a prize winning flower!

    This fabric line is just gorgeous! I already picked up a charm pack of this line at my local shop yesterday – just becuase I had to have it! This may be my favorite line yet.

    Thanks for the chance to win. I could really do something spectacular Even though I am new at quilting this fabric would make even the simplest of quilts just stunning!

  190. I was wondering about this and after reading your blog, I learned that this line of fabric was name after a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century!

  193. How very romantic to take a pattern from a 14th century home's garden. The rose setting is so pretty. Your deadline is on my birthday April 7th!
    KathrynSabel loves this blog

  194. I can't think of anything more beautiful than the inspiration of French gardens, and utilizing them for fabric. How beautiful they must have been and the time spent to make them so because this line of fabric is gorgeous!

  195. Learned today that Pom Pom de Paris is the name of an award winning rose from so long ago. Thanks for the giveaway of such beautiful French General fabrics.

  197. I love the way "woad blue" sounds — and now I know a bit of history about it too. I thought it was just a "fancy" word! Thanks for enlightening me. I would love to be able to make this pattern with these beautiful fabrics!

  198. Gah! This is my absolute favorite line of the season!! I found it extremely interesting to know that the inspiration for the line came from an actual place. Very cool! Would absolute love to win this. Thank you so much for the chance!

  199. The most interesting fact is that the inspiration was a garden from a 14th century home. In North America an old home is 100 years old – not several hundred. Fascinating!

  201. I learned that the colors came from a garden that you actually saw. I always like when inspiration comes from something or someone you have actually known.

  202. I was surprised to learn that the name of the prize winning rose was the Pom Pom de Paris! This line of fabric is so beautiful, the colors and designs have everything I love, flowers and butterflys, and soft colors.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    nettiecrain@live.com

  203. That people like Kaari are preserving and promoting the art of dying from natural element in 21st century . A century where more goods are manufactured than people's need and in turn are depleting and seeking more energy and causing havoc people and environment around us.
    I really wish that I lived in my grandma's time where life and environment was simple and safe.

  204. I love the fact that Pom Pom de Paris was actually a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century. I used to raise roses and would love to have a quilt made from this fabric to remind me of how wonder they were.

  205. Since I love flower gardens I enjoyed reading where the inspiration came from for the fabric:
    "a beautiful wild garden filled with overgrown rose bushes, lavender, rosemary, dahlias and agapanthus."

  206. I love this fabric line, the colours, the invoked romanticism…not so much a learning of an interesting fact so much as envy at "The bedroom windows all look down onto a beautiful wild garden filled with overgrown rose bushes, lavender, rosemary, dahlias and agapanthus."*sigh*

  208. It was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century. I just love learning a little bit of history.

  209. So cool to learn that it is a real flower – so often I wonder where the names of fabric lines come from. This one makes perfect sense- and is very beautiful, too!

  210. I LOVE THIS LINE OF FABRIC! Ooopps sorry, didnt' mean to yell, I was just super excited. Interesting of where the inspiration for this Pom POm line came from a centuries old chateau's gardens. Perfect! Wish I lived closer for the woad dyeing. WIll be cehcking it out, thanks for sharing and hosting.
    Jane

    Jane

  211. I thought it was interesting that it was named after the flower the won the exhibition. I was also surprised they had that type of contest going on that early in history. I love the fabric – absolutely beautiful!

  213. I think the term "French Rural" is exactly right for this. This fabrics just calls out to those waiting for Spring….

  218. This entire interview was interesting but I love that her inspiration was the garden outside her window. I work from home and I plant flowers outside my office window that I find inspirational.Thanks for the opportunity to win such a beautiful collection!

  219. I found the information about dying fabric so interesting–woad produces old French Blue. It is the only time I've ever, ever been interested in dying my own fabric!

  220. I found it most interesting that the collection was named for the rose that was the first winner of the first rose exhibition in Paris in the 19th century. A lovely piece of rose gardening history and a lovely collection of fabric.

  223. I learned that a French garden in souther France was the inspiration for the Pom Pom de Paris fabric collection. I think this fabric is beautiful!

  226. I liked finding out that Pom Pom de Paris won first place in a show. Its another wonderful line from Kaari. She captures such a wonderful feel in her lines.

  227. The fact that the colors in this line were inspired by a garden at a 14th Century (!!!!!!) home is amazing! That something like that is still standing, able to be used, and posesses such beautiful sounding gardens is wonderful!

  228. I wondered where the Pom Pom de Paris
    collection got its name and now I know it is named after a flower that won 1st place in a rose show.

  229. Love the word WOAD – and what about a Woad workshop – if there was one happening near me, I'd go. Imagine a suitcase full of…. Oh to win the giveaway

  231. The wildness of the gardens sound like such an inspiration not only can I see then but I can hear and smell them as well. Can you tell I am a garden freak…but how to put them in fabric now that is something.

  232. I had no idea that Pom Pom de Paris was a flower — very interesting. Would love to win some. Thanks for the opportunity!

  236. The most interesting thing was that Pom Pom de Paris was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century.

  237. I had no idea that rose exhibitions have been around that long! It's a wonderful story of how the line got its name.

  238. I love the history behind her pattern and color choices. What a wonderful name for a flower, and fabric, "Pom Pom de Paris"!

    Lisa

  240. I learned that it's named after the flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century. Thanks for the chance!

  241. Wow, I love flowers, and flowery fabrics, but I've never heard of a woad flower…so learning that, plus using the woad to dye fabrics was my educational tidbit of the day! Will have to this with my flower-loving sister. Thanks for the giveaway; such nice fabrics.

  242. I am a lover of beautiful roses and grow many. Never knew Pom Pom de Paris had been a first place winner before this. I do know the rose and hope to someday see it in it's home, France. Beautiful.

  243. The whole story is interesting. I find the fact it's based on 19th century French rural florals most interesting. Thinking of the people and the countryside during this time period. It's a beautiful collection. I love the pattern created for these fabrics. I would love to make this quilt!

  245. I think the most interesting thing is where the name came from. I also love gardening so knowing that the name came from a rose is special. Thank you for the chance to win some Pom Pom de Paris.

  246. Je t'aimee the Pom Pom. I knew Pom Pom was a flower but did not know the colors ideas came for an old french garden, beautiful fabric collection

  247. I was wondering where the name of the fabric line came from, now I know. I would have never guessed it was after an actual flower. Love the colors.

  250. Interesting to know that Pom Pom de Paris was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century.

    Great giveaway too

  253. It was interesting to learn of the flower which won first place named Pom Pom de Paris so long ago in France. Flowers are one of my favorite as I love to garden along with quilting. Would love to win the fabric. Thanks for the giveaway.

  254. I love that the name of the line came from the name of an actual, award-winning French rose. My Jackson Perkins catalog just arrived, and I've been poring over it, choosing roses as much by their names as the roses themselves.

    wordygirl at earthlink dot net

  255. All of Kaari's "talk" was interesting but the inspiration for the range was the most interesting, the combination of an actual old french garden that Kaari and her family get to enjoy for the colours and the first prize winning rose for the name coming together to create such a beautiful fabric range.

  256. I did not know there was a rose named Pom Pom de Paris; I live in FRance and I adore roses, I myself have about 70 different rose, most old French roses….. There smell is delicious. I love to win this lovely fabric line.

  258. Hi from New Zealand! Living 'downunder' we seldom read or hear of the background influence of so many beautiful quilting fabrics and it was such a pleasure to read about how much the French rural gardens of the 19th century has had such an influence on this gorgeous range. It is not here yet.

  260. Just got lost on the French General website. What a lovely blue the woad makes. I so wish I didn't live on the opposite coast as I'd love to take the workshop. Thanks for all the lovely info.

  263. That Pom Pom de Paris was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century is the most interesting fact I learned from Kaari I think.
    Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to win the pattern and fat quarter bundle. This fabric line is so beautiful.

  264. How wonderful that the inspiration for this line came from the backyard garden of the 14th century home in the South of France! I love that I could actually go to the very place and see the garden (future trip to France planned).

    I was not aware of Woad and that beautiful blues will result from using it for dying!

  265. I found it interesting that a prize winning rose was named Pom Pom. It sounds more like a chrysanthemum. Kathie L in allentown

  268. Very interesting the inspiration behind the fabric line. I like this name "Pom Pom de Paris" for a rose flower, is a good inspiration for the new colletion from Frechn General.
    Thanks for your generous giveaway and opportunity.
    Kisses from Barcelona.
    la.lluna.d.abril@gmail.com

  269. I think it is really neat that the flowers in these prints are all based on early 19th century French rural florals…they sure do evoke a summer rose garden to me!

  270. I loved reading about the story behind the fabric line. Hearing the history is fun and it's wonderful to know the inspiration for the designer. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!
    natalie
    it (dot) iz (dot) nat (at) gmail (dot) com

  272. Who ever would have thought Pom Pom de Paris was a real flower? The fabric is beautiful and I would love to have at it.

  273. I loved finding out the fabric was named for an award-winning rose. Thanks for sharing the background and for the giveaway.

  276. Love reading about this great collection! Knowing that everyone leaves with a bunch of "blues" in their totes….wow! That would be awesome! Thanks for such great info and for the give-a-way!

  277. Like the other comments, I did not know this was the name of a flower. I love anything that has come out from French General! The quilt pattern looks lovely. And you are right Kaari has hit the mark right every time with her fabric lines.

  278. Being a rose lover, besides a lover of quilting, i learned that the name for this fabric came from a rose named Pom pom de Paris….I am curious to learn more about it! the article was very interesting—especially that the inspiration came from a garden in France!! Would love to see it!!!

  282. I loved learning about the first rose exhibition in Paris! I'm sure that roses have been admired for a very long time, and there are so many varieties. Kaari does so much research.

  283. Naturally when you see the word "pom-pom" you think of pom-poms that cheerleaders shake at football games. Who knew it was from a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris in the early 19th century. Yet another reason I love reading blogs – they're so educational.

  284. The history and romance of France has fascinated me since high school French class. The agapanthus is a delightful flower here in California but I didn't know that it could be found in France. Thanks, Kaari, for a chance to win your fabrics and pattern. Gardening is a passion of mine.

  286. I thought it was really interesting to learn the names of TWO flowers that I'd not heard of before! The fabrics are lovely, and the pattern looks wonderful. Hope I can win!
    Jacque in SC
    quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

  289. I liked learning about the flower woad that is used in fabric dying since I enjoy dying fabric. I'm curious as to whether the flower is blue since you apparently end up with napoleon blue fabric at the workshop. Time for some research!

  290. The most interesting fact I found was that not only are there roses, leaves and birds but there are also thorns…which are a fact of live in all gardens…even the most lovely of French gardens. Such lovely fabric. The French General fabrics are now my new favorite!!! Love them all, got to have them all! LOL
    Holly

  293. It is way cool that the colors are inspired by an actual French garden. It sounds like the garden that I wish was mine, rambling, overgrown, beautiful. I just love the colors in this line; the pinks, burgundies, yellows and some beiges tset it all off.

  296. I lve hearing about the history involved in esearching artwork for fabrics. So interesting the flower is not forgotten , that inspired this beautiful line of fabric.

  297. I love the thought of looking out your window into the rose garden and the inspiration that comes from that image!

  298. The most interesting was where the name came from: a rose by any other name… Thanks for the giveaway!

  299. I had no idea that "Pom Pom de Paris" was an actual rose–and I collect and grow antique roses! Now I'm on the hunt. I also loved the fact that the line was designed around a garden–I draw color inspiration from my garden and outdoor surroundings, as well! Even more reasons to love this line…

    Dot
    dminshall67@yahoo.com

  300. It is very interesting that the inspiration came from French gardens! I have always liked the French gardens better than the English, as they have a more creative and artistic view.

  301. This is interesting: The fabric colours were derived from an old French garden behind a 14th Century home. I would love to go visit that garden, it must be heavenly!! Thanks for sharing!

  302. I love the bit of history she shared and the fact she was inspired by the garden at the 14th century home where she often stays. I have agapanthus in my garden, too. Thanks so much for the give-away.

    nbtay@sbcglobal.net

  303. I am also intrigued that the colors were inspired by the view from a 14th century house where people can still live in!

  304. Pom Pom de Paris was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris! Didn't know that!

  305. Pom Pom de Paris was a flower that won first place at the first rose exhibition held in Paris. Didn't know that!

  308. I never knew there was a flower named Pom Pom de Paris, one of those little facts that are fun to know.
    Beautiful colors in this line.

  309. I learned that a lot of research went into the design of this gorgeous range of fabrics so this shows me Kaari is as exacting as she is creative.

  310. The most interesting fact I've learnt is that Pom Pom de Paris is a flower! I thought is some pom pom made in paris or something like that.

  311. Hi,it was in suprising to note that French General was new to the pattern business, it seems most designers start out with the patterns then discover the delight of FABRIC! Gail

  314. It's all interesting to learn where inspiration for a design came from. Most interesting to me is the the colors came from a 14th century home garden–such a romantic tie to history–I'd love to walk in that garden, if only vicariously with a bit of fabric!

  315. The most interesting thing I learned was that the PomPom de Paris is an actual rose. Very cool. I love this fabric! Thanks for the opportunity to enter>

  317. It was interesting to learn that the colors were inspired by a wild overgrown French garden behind the 14th century home they stay in when they visit the South of France. Very pretty!

  318. Didn't know what the word woad meant! Now I know that it is the dye behind some of my favorite colors! Also learned that Pom Pom De Paris was the name of a rose. Always something new to learn

  319. I'm so glad Kaari shared the history behind the name of the fabric line – the winner in the first rose exhibition in Paris. Interesting.

  320. The inspiration behind the colors taken directly from an old French garden. They are lovely, romantic flowers and remind me of some of the very old roses we have on our old farms flower beds.

  323. The most intresting fact is: The inspiration behind the colors of Pom Pom de Paris were taken directly from an old French garden behind a 14th century home we often stay at in St. Antonin Noble Val – in the South of France.

  324. I enjoyed learning the history of the name and that old French gardens were the inspiration for the collection. It's beautiful!

  326. I love the colors of these prints! Makes sense it was based on a country garden, as that is what it reminds me of. (I made a second comment only because it looked as though I was going to be a No Reply blogger — awful)!

  327. I just love this fabric line! I think the most interesting thing that I learned was the way the artist, Kaari was inspired to create the color scheme from the French garden. It is amazing how the mind of a wonderful artist works and that yes, you can find inspiration everywhere, you just have to look. Thanks for the great giveaway!
    Tammy P.

  328. I learned that fabric designers don't just doodle out their designs on scrap paper! Obviously a lot of thought and research goes alongside their talent.

    French General is one of my favourite fabric lines.

  329. I like it that this collection of fabric was inspired by.early French gardens. This collection is beautiful & classy at the same time.

  331. The Pom Pom de Paris is a first place winning rose. I love learning things that I otherwise wouldn't know.

  332. It was interesting to learn about the garden in France where the color inspirations came from. Thanks for the chance to win.

  333. I love hearing about all of the interesting facts about France but especially that this line was named after an awarding rose. I love this line so much. thank you for such a generous give-a-way

  334. i am writing for a friend that is not computer literate! she first fell in love with provenciale fabrics while working at piere deux during high school…some 30 years ago! also a fond attraction for tove nepolian azure. there is somehitng earthy and elegant about prints, old and modern – most beautiful! personally am trying to master boutiem i fear it will take two lifetimes!
    ramza macsox55@hotmail.com
    sorry about the spelling, i am not familiar with any of this and can't read easily her printing! regards!

  337. Love your Pom Pom collection. You have captured the essence of early 19th Century French Romanticism.

    The florals look as though they were taken from Elizabeth Vigee LeBrun's paintings of French aristocrats.

    LeBrun's self-portraits often feature her bonnets decorated with fresh flowers spilling around the crown and over the brim. Delicate colors, warm yellows and pinks pay homage to the era and the elegant designs of the period. Bravo!
    BBF

  338. I didnt know the Pom Pom de Paris was and actual flower. Staying in the 14th century house must be fascinating. Thanks!

  339. I did not know Pom Pom de Paris was a flower. How great it is to know that this fabric line represents such a part of history.

  341. I had no idea the inspiration came from a garden behind a 14th century home. And the fact that it has survived and you can stay there is awesome.