FAQs
What is a “drop” and how does it work?
A drop is a limited release of Atlas & Thread parcels, available in small quantities. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Every drop is unique and won’t be repeated.
What is in an Atlas & Thread parcel?
Each parcel contains a carefully curated collection of ‘pieces’ - textiles, vintage linens, lace, buttons and trims sourced from around the world.
Most pieces include a story, printed on fabric, that you can incorporate into your stitching if you wish. You’ll also receive a limited-edition postcard featuring the location where one of your pieces was found.
Why are the parcels limited?
Many of the pieces I find are vintage, handmade or simply impossible to replace. Once they’re gone, they’re often gone forever, which naturally limits how many parcels I can create.
Why are vintage textiles so special?
Vintage textiles carry the marks of the people who made and used them. Whether it’s a carefully stitched monogram, hand-made lace or a well-loved household linen, each piece has lived another life before becoming part of your creative journey.
How do I know when the next drop is happening?
The best way is to join the Atlas & Thread newsletter. Subscribers are the first to hear about upcoming drops.
Are parcels restocked?
No. Each drop is a one-time release.
Is every parcel in a drop identical?
No. Because many of the pieces are vintage or one-of-a-kind, every parcel is slightly different.
For example, I may find a matching set of twelve small vintage napkins and twelve larger ones. The parcels with the smaller napkins would include larger pieces from another textile, say an embroidered tablecloth. Those with the larger napkins would receive smaller pieces from that same tablecloth. I carefully balance every parcel so each one feels equally special.
Could some pieces appear again in future drops?
Yes. If I’ve sourced enough of a particular piece, it may appear in a future drop, perhaps in a different colour or size.
If you’re a repeat customer, feel free to contact me after ordering. I’ll do my best to ensure your parcel doesn’t include pieces you already own.
What if I miss a drop?
Don’t worry—there will always be another journey. While the exact pieces won’t return, I’ll continue sourcing new treasures for future drops. Joining the newsletter is the best way to make sure you don’t miss the next release.
Will I know exactly what’s inside before I buy?
Only a little. I’ll share a glimpse of each drop, but I won’t reveal every piece. Part of the joy is discovering the collection when your parcel arrives.
Are the pieces suitable for using in projects?
Absolutely. I only choose pieces that I would happily sew with myself. Some people use every piece, while others save a few favourites simply because they love their story.
Do I need to be a stitcher to enjoy an Atlas & Thread parcel?
Not at all. While many of my customers enjoy slow stitching, quilting and embroidery, the pieces can also be used for mending, journalling, mixed media, doll making, display, collecting or simply appreciating their stories.
Is each piece in perfect condition?
No. Vintage textiles, by their very nature, are rarely perfect. You may find the occasional age spot, faint mark or other gentle signs of a life well lived. To me, these are part of their history and charm.
Some pieces are made from natural materials, such as shell buttons, where every piece is beautifully unique. Others are handmade or hand-spun, carrying the subtle irregularities that make them special.
Every item is carefully chosen with intention. If I wouldn’t be delighted to use it in my own stitching, it simply won’t find its way into an Atlas & Thread parcel.
Can I return or exchange a piece?
Because every parcel is carefully curated and many pieces are one-of-a-kind, I don’t offer returns or exchanges for individual pieces.
If a piece simply isn’t your style, I hope you’ll pass it on to a sewing friend who will love it.
How should I care for vintage linen and lace?
Almost all textiles are gently washed and pressed before they reach you, unless they are clearly unused and in pristine condition.
Most linens can be hand washed in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Delicate lace should also be washed by hand and handled with care.
Where do the pieces come from?
Atlas & Thread pieces are sourced from antique markets, flea markets, vintage stores, charity shops, car boot sales, old haberdasheries, textile markets and artist studios around the world.
My current collection includes pieces sourced from England, France, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Malta, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and the United States.
Every piece is personally sourced by me and chosen for its beauty, story, history or purpose.
Do you really travel the world looking for these?
Yes! Atlas & Thread began as a love of travel and textiles, and every sourcing trip is part treasure hunt, part history lesson. I never quite know what I’ll find—which is half the fun. Some days I come home with a single beautiful piece. Other days? Hundreds and hundreds of handmade buttons. It’s always a surprise!
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Shipping costs and delivery times are calculated at checkout. Please note that any customs duties or taxes charged by your country are the responsibility of the purchaser.
What happens if my parcel is lost or damaged in transit?
Every Atlas & Thread parcel is carefully packed to help it arrive safely. If your parcel is lost or arrives damaged, please contact me as soon as possible at hello@atlasandthread.com.
I’ll work with you and the shipping carrier to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. If replacement pieces are available, I’ll do my best to recreate your parcel. If that’s not possible, we’ll discuss the best solution together.
Can I send an Atlas & Thread parcel as a gift?
Absolutely. An Atlas & Thread parcel makes a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys textiles, sewing or beautiful objects with a story.
Can I suggest something for a future drop?
Absolutely! I can’t promise I’ll find it, but I’d love to keep an eye out.
Email your ideas to hello@atlasandthread.com and I’ll see what I can find!
