Dispatches from Austin: Spartan and JM Drygoods

Contributor post by Tracy of Fair Morning Blue


This week, I had the pleasure of spending time in not one, but two charming shops here in Austin: Spartan and JM Drygoods. I have certainly heard a great deal about both shops, but I didn't realize they cohabited the same lovely space on South Lamar Blvd. There are two storefronts and two distinct retail spaces, but a wide interior archway joins the two shops, and they flow seamlessly together.



Spartan is the brainchild of Currie Person. Founded here in Austin, Spartan also exists as part of Voyager in San Francisco, as well as part of Beam & Anchor in Portland.


Stepping into this space makes me feel both lighthearted and peaceful. Each item has been selected for its beauty, its design and its durability. How wonderful to surround oneself with exquisite and well-made interpretations of everyday things. 


Owned by Michelle Teague, JM Drygoods started out in Marfa and opened in Austin last November. Filled with handmade textiles, clothing and homegoods, JM Drygoods reminds me very much of West Texas, but with a sparse, modern twist. What a treat to be able to shop for these treasures without the long drive out to Marfa. Though the West Texas aesthetic dominates, there are also hints of Moroccan and Indian influence.


I especially love these hand block-printed cotton sheets from India. I can imagine spreading one out over a comforter, or even using them as curtains. And check out the fringe on the hammock pictured below - such lovely details.


I hope you have enjoyed this little tour, that these images capture a little bit of the sweetness that these two little shops bring to the world. This meticulously designed space is a welcome reprieve from the worries of everyday life.


Spartan + JM Drygoods
215 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, Texas
austin@spartan-shop.com
jmdrygoods@gmail.com


***

Tracy Castro - a designer and rural Texas Panhandle native - has called Austin home for the last sixteen years. Tracy's new design venture, Fair Morning Blue, features seasonal cards, hand-stamped textiles, and whatever other whimsies come into her head and heart. Find Tracy on her blogfacebooktwitter and pinterest.

Jan Halvarson

3 comments:

Ti said...

love love love.. :)

Jodi said...

short of going to India or TX, how can I get my hands on some of those gorgeous sheets???

Heather Belle said...

Oh, wow these photos are beautiful! And oh so inspirational!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/