Shopfront: The 1920s feel is what makes this menagerie pattern so great. The colours are crisp but a little faded so it doesn't look too new and almost, just almost, looks hand-painted.

The band of birds runs along the bottom of the fabric - mostly used for curtaining - leaving the rest clean white.

It's made by Swedish company Christian Fischbacher and costs an expensive enough €81 per metre.

Supplied by Cremins Moiselle, a 20-year-old company which, strictly speaking, sells only to the trade but will allow you visit its new premises in Bray to view its collections of hand-embroidered silks, modern stripes and geometric fabrics.

Cremins Moiselle, Bray South Business Park, Killarney Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Tel 01 2042848