IN a rural stable barn, situated in a pleasant corner of the countryside, vintage linens are stacked high and delicate ceramics stand in neat rows on the shelves.

It’s difficult to imagine how this slice of English idyll could be inspired by comedies such as The Inbetweeners, Spitting Image and Father Ted but that’s exactly how The Textile Studio was born.

Owner Caroline Pitcher has been a costume designer for 25 years, responsible for all the clothing in these and other popular comedy series including Armstrong & Miller, Green Wing and Smack the Pony.

Travelling the world to research fabrics and patterns, her notebook - and her head – became full of ideas to launch her own homeware range and design school.

“I could be in a comedy sketch using period costume and props when I’ll notice a fantastic piece of old china, or a lovely print on a dress, for example,” she explained.

“I’ll then translate these patterns onto my homewares, which include a range of ceramics, oven gloves, tea towels, aprons, shopping bags and bath hats.”

Inspiration comes from a myriad of sources. A 1950’s vintage fabric inspired a quirky chicken print called Agnes, while Betty celebrates the Queen’s Jubilee.

Classic cars, 1930s china, a swatch of period wallpaper and the work of Paul Cezanne have all played their part in Caroline’s finished designs.

“And I ‘upcycle’ vintage fabric to add finishing touches to linen aprons,” she said, holding out a delicate 1940s cotton and an original Liberty print.

Based in Fordingbridge, the Textile Studio was launched in 2008 but under its beamed roof there are shelves of reference books, metres of fabrics and decades of knowledge.

She graduated from Goldsmiths College with a BA Hons in Fine Art Textiles and an MA from Manchester in Textiles/Fashion. She still continues to work in television now. Using her wealth of experience, Caroline now runs one to three-day textile courses for all levels throughout the year.

“I’ve always been mad on print and I can now share this passion and help other enthusiasts and students develop their creative skills.”

You can try your hand at printing or painting on velvets, satins, silks and vintage linens using a number of methods.

“One of the most popular things on the courses is woodblocking,” said Caroline.

“It’s a centuries-old method of printing which originated in India and I have been collecting old woodblocks for nearly 30 years.”

Visitors can use an old block of Caroline’s, or create your own design by using more modern, flexible materials, then see it come to life on a tea towel, apron or cushion.

Students can also make the most of the large textile library – mainly of fabrics from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s and the floor-to-ceiling books on art, design, costume and textiles.

“Design is largely based on what is going on at the time, the artists of the time and the social history,” Caroline explained.

“I’ve had people on design courses make use of the libraries here to learn about its deeper context.”

But there are those who just want to have some creative fun in informal surroundings. When the weather is good, she gets the 1950s china out and everyone sits outside for lunch. She also puts up a washing line for all the prints to dry outdoors.

“I love the position we have in the Forest. I could have set the studio up in London, but it’s a far more creative environment here.”

The courses encourage people to take what they’ve learned to carry on creating at home.

“That’s the beauty of iron-fixed dyes!” said Caroline.

“I find the courses enormously rewarding myself. People can come in as a beginner and not know how to do something and they can walk out having achieved something.”

• Caroline’s work is for sale at The Textile Studio as well as online and at various local fairs.

For more information on products and courses contact 01425 655146 (studio), 07860 948404 (mobile) or email info@thetextilestudio.co.uk