Parna was set up in 2007 by Kath Griffiths, inspired by the quality and variety of vintage textiles in Eastern and Central Europe.  We source high quality antique and vintage textiles. Our vintage linen, hemp and embroidery has been carefully sourced from areas of Central and Eastern Europe with strong tradition of folk craft.

We also source high quality new artisan made items direct from artisans

We work closely with women from areas with a strong tradition of folk craft and textile heritage.

We re-use and re-fashion

Parna from Vintage

Our parna from vintage range was devloped in order make the most of beautiful Vintage Linen, Hemp and embroidery and to pay homage to the women who spent hours hand crafting them.

Parna from vintage pieces incorporate traditional techniques and Vintage Linen Hemp and embroidery. Refashioned and reworked.  These pieces  are designed as heirlooms.

Vintage textiles

Most of our vintage linen and hemp was home grown and processed without the use of pesticides.

The nature of the hand spinning and weaving process means that there may be some un-evenness in weave which adds to the charm of these pieces. Hemp and linen were both grown in these regions and it is often difficult to tell the difference. Hemp in particular softens and lightens with age and washing and use so the older and more used the harder it is to tell them apart. Hemp was more commonly grown and used for sacks, linen for kitchen linen.

The history of these textiles gives a fascinating insight into folk and peasant culture. From the intricate embroidery that has been kept for decades in dowry chests to the sacks woven for everyday use, every piece tells a story. These textiles are versatile, strong, eco-friendly and durable. They range in age from 60 – 120 years.  

They can be used to great effect for upholstery linen, soft furnishings and window dressings in interiors ranging from the simple or rustic  to the flamboyant. Get the French or Gustavin look with pale fabric perhaps with some red or& blue stripes. The majority of these textiles are very durable. They can be machine washed.

Bespoke; We can dye and hand embroider to order. We have a team of skilled seamstresses who can run up cushions and pillows from antique grain sacks, table linen and others to order.

Some ideas:

Hemp sheets make fantastic curtains, upholstery fabric, Roman blinds and table coverings.

Use hemp sheets with curtain ring clips to make curtains in literally minutes.

Sacks and fabric from rolls for blinds, covers, bench cushions and upholstery. Sacks for laundry bags and bath mats

Table runners from opened out sacks or fabric from rolls.

Table cloths from Mattress covers and cart covers

Cart covers make excellent heavy curtians, bed covers and very large table cloths

The durability of these linens mean that they make excellent upholstery fabric. We have a team of expert seamstreses and very reasonable prices. Please enquire textiles@parna.co.uk