After an extended break to the wilds of the UK and Africa, I’m finally back to creating patterns starting with recolouring these gum-nuts. This was one I started before I went away but it’s been jigged about about this week. Looking forward to more creating soon.
This is the first time I’ve attempted the challenge of using a limited palette for a pattern. Who knew it could be so incredibly absorbing? And I’ve just spotted a mistake! Ahh. Anyway, it’s inspired by the thought of floating along the Lower Zambezi admiring the egrets wading. Something I’m really hoping to be doing soon. In the meantime I can’t decide on the combination.
My cushions arrived from the seamstress! I can’t tell you what a thrill it is to see my own work on finished, beautifully sewn cushions. My style will continue to evolve but I will always love these.
This weeks Spoonflower challenge was for boys clothing. It coincided with celebrations for my husband’s 50th birthday. So the challenge got me thinking about his childhood, which was pretty unique and special. He grew up on a cattle farm in rural central Africa. They didn’t have a TV until he was about 15 and communication was by radio. But he had a dirt bike that he would go out on with his cousin all day. His was a wild childhood of adventure and exploring, climbing trees and rocks and messing about in dirt surrounded by all kinds of creatures.
This week’s Spoonflower challenge was inspired by vintage postcards. I chose my palette from various old Australian surf posters. I also explored under-patterning and adding texture so the final effect has depth. I think it would be a nice piece for a beach bag. Still thinking about doing something to bring out the turtles.
I finally got you round to having some of my own prints made up into cushions. It was about a year ago that I first took some classes on Skillshare with Bonnie Christine. Then we went on holiday to Queensland and I collected a whole load of drawing and photographs to make my own patterns. I’m always learning more and more about pattern design and it just gets better. I’m working on getting some baby quilts and muslins made up next.
I’ve been wanting to find an excuse to design a pattern for a cycling shirt and this weeks Spoonflower challenge was just perfect. I was really working from what I’d like to wear as a cycling. I enjoyed playing with the colour palette and there’s definitely some more playing around to be done. Maybe the pink as a background or even an additional panel? The maths involved in creating this was daunting at times. I created each of the wheels and cogs in Adobe Illustrator. The mock-up came from Creative Market which is an increasingly valuable design resource for me.
A couple of weeks ago I entered my second Spoonflower competition and was please to get around 90 votes! That’s my best result yet, but it didn’t cut it for the top 60. Onwards and upwards though. I’m going to just keep on trying. This week was Small Scale Summer. It was so perfect for Australia and it taught me a thing or two about scale. Voting starts on 2nd May here
I have loved creating a new pattern for Spoonflower this week. Australian florals are an endless source of inspiration. The’r mad and random, curly and spiky and come in the brightest, loveliest colours.
I also discovered Roostery this week. Cant believe it took me so long. What fantastic resource for creating quick mock-ups and visualising your work win products.
I’ve been busy making new patterns for all sorts of reasons. Spoonflower challenges and because I’m hopelessly addicted to it. Creating a few new collections would probably be a good idea.
