Atelier

'Atelier' is a collection I designed for Makower UK recently and it was inspired by the timeless traditions of sewing using antique and retro images in a soft colour palette.

 

The main print is called Couture and includes sewing machines, notions and mannequins. Look closely and you will see that there is a texture underneath, inspired by dress pattern pieces.

The Spool design shows crowded cotton reels with the labels as the main focus.

Tape measures create a stripe design in this Measurements pattern.

Pretty patterned Buttons are loosely scattered, with a tonal running stitch in the background. 

An inclusion of soft blue to the Couture design adds variety to the collection.

Tiny Notions in include decorative scissors and pin cushions.

A deep grey on the Buttons design adds depth to the collection.

My grandma had a blue measuring tape in her sewing box and this Measurements print reminds me of that.

Primary colours

Last week's prompt for the drawing challenge from The Tuesday Collective on Instagram was 'Primary Colours' so I chose to draw this stunning dress from Boden. 

It's made from a silky-looking viscose fabric and has a dramatic chevron design in a variety of bright colours including blue, green and red.

This v-neck tiered dress has beautiful balloon sleeves, a flowy skirt with pockets and a tie belt to cinch in the waist.

Citrus

I've recreated my citrus print in a variety of colour palettes which are great for all kinds of summer activities. Whether it's used on homewares to enhance your home, or for sewing projects to inspire your summer wardrobe there are a lots of options in Spoonflower shop. 

This yellow and white version is a lovely fresh print and would work well in sewing projects. There are many fabric choices and I especially love the soft cotton lawn option which would be great for making summer skirts or dresses with.

This citrus print below offers a darker colour option with orange and yellow citrus fruits on a pleasing teal background. This print can also be bought on a variety of fabric options. I love the linen cotton canvas which is great for making into bright tea towels.

If you don't fancy making your own items, there are plenty  of ready-made items in my Spoonflower shop. This print would look great in the home, especially in the bedroom. I'm loving the duvet cover and sheet set as well as the curtains and cushion cover.

This is the original version of the citrus print, but I've added a few more tones to mix it up a bit. It has a lovely warm feel to it and would look great on tableware for the home.

Ready-made items include tablecloths (in rectangular or oval sizes), as well as table runners and napkins.

Beach chic

 'Beach Chic' was the prompt for last week's drawing challenge from The Tuesday Collective on Instagram so I drew this fabulous 1950s beach babe, inspired by a black and white photo I found online.

I chose a vintage-inspired colour palette of burnt oranges and teal blues which set off her golden tan perfectly. The yellow sun hat adds a pop of brightness.

Sweet cherries

 This cherry print is the perfect print for a summer sewing project with its bright red, juicy cherries on a fresh green background. You can just imagine picking one up and popping it into your mouth.

You can buy this cherry print in my Spoonflower shop on a wide variety of fabric choices, from lighter weights such as gauze and chiffon, to heavier weight fabric such as canvas or velvet.

This cherry print would look great on a summer skirt. Spoonflower has a choice of fabrics that would be perfect for this sewing pattern, including cotton lawn or cotton sateen.

I'm looking forward to making this print into bags and purse for my Etsy shop. Watch this space!

Little ones

I recently created this cute collection for Makower UK. It's called Little Ones and consists of woodland animals in a soft colour palette.

This design is called 'Hugs' and includes mother and baby foxes, bunnies, hedgehogs and squirrels in a soft peach colour. I used a sketchy style for these animals.

This design is called 'Bunnies' and includes rabbits in several poses with foliage and tiny hearts on a coral stripe background.

This coral 'Ducks' design is so cute and includes pretty daisies amongst the ducks.

'Foliage' is a really versatile print and can be used for a number of fabric projects, Pair it with designs from this collection or use it for bag making or dressmaking.

Cute baby 'Deer' are silhouetted against a soft brown background and surrounded by stylised foliage.

This 'Etched' design is created in a sketchy style and includes deer, foxes and bunnies.

These 'Stars' are on a grey/brown background and are a great print for decorating a child's bedroom.

The 'Hugs' design on cream is a great neutral colour and could work for both baby boys and baby girls.

The 'Bunnies' on the yellow and cream stripe are lovely and fresh and gender neutral.

The 'Ducks' work well on a yellow background.

The 'Foliage' looks lovely and fresh on a cream background and includes ferns, florals and tiny butterflies.

The 'Etched' design also comes in a green outline on a cream background.

The 'Stars' design also comes in a teal version.

The 'Hugs' design looks so pretty on this teal background.

'Ducks' on a teal background.

And beautiful 'Bunnies' on a teal and cream background.

 

Palm Springs

 'Palm Springs' is the latest prompt for the Spoonflower design challenge and this is my entry. It includes Mid-Century architecture and cars surrounded by palm trees and cacti in a pleasing sunset colour palette. You can vote for my design here.

This print would look great as a Palm Springs wallpaper on a feature wall. There are lots of options available, from peel-and-stick to pre-pasted and even a lovely grasscloth version with a fabulous texture.

I love the combo of coral pinks and burnt oranges against the teal and sage colours of the architecture and cars.

Looks great on a feature wall in the bedroom.

The vinyl version is great for high traffic areas such as the kitchen or hallway.

There's even a metallic gold version if you're feeling really bold!

The gold really shines when light hits it.

You can find this design in my Spoonflower shop here.

Tropica

The 'Wildlife' print I designed for Makower UK comes in three colour palettes, but this is my favourite, I love the rich jewel tone colours against the purple background and think it would make a great print for various sewing projects.

If you're feeling really bold, a summer dress would look great in this print. I chose a 1950s style dress and added a bright pink belt to accentuate the waist.

If the dress is a little too much, adding accents of colour to an outfit is easy to do, using accessories. I love this roomy tote bag pattern, great for taking to the beach or for picking up provisions at the local market. The pink straps complement the pink in the main design.

I love this cute little top, perfect for using a tropical print with, The sash tie has been made using a solid dark pink fabric as a contrast.

Mix the little top with this full skirt, which also has a dark pink fabric at the waistband. Alternatively, wear it with a bright pink or bright green t-shirt for a more casual look.

I love these little shoulder bags, which are so versatile and fit in a lot more items than you would expect. The strap is adjustable so it could be used as a shoulder bag or as a cross-body bag.