OK, the new moon was actually yesterday, but the magic of it can still be felt.
I have had various blogs under various guises for many years, but around 18 months ago I took everything offline because I wasn't able to keep everything up to date.
Maybe that was a mistake.
Maybe it was just in my head.
I just hate the idea of languishing words with nothing new to keep them current and vibrant and alive (I've clearly given words a new weight in the Universe.)
But I miss writing and communicating. I started a Substack in January 2024 as I way to get back into it, and that too has languished slightly. No more!
I spent a bit of time trying to collate my archives from various back-ups and platforms, and I put a lot of work into my writing on those platforms, but it's been holding me back for a while and I'm trying to take a lesson from nature and learn to let go, discard, and move on afresh.
My intention is to write here about the designs and illustrations I'm working on, very much related to my pattern and design business right here on this site, and for longer-form writing, ponderings and wider inspirations in my life, I'll post on Substack. Deal?
I hope that makes sense. I don't want to duplicate or complicate my work or my life, but I do have the urge to document, express and record the things I'm doing.
So...
Although all thoughts are now turning towards Christmas, my latest pattern collection - as part of a colour collaboration with independent designers around the world - is all about Vintage Travel.
I feel more and more drawn (pun alert!) to my Scottish heritage and roots, and so I want to channel that into the designs I'm creating.
The first design I began working on was this one featuring leaping salmon and trout, as they begin their own migration journey upstream. There's a wonderful analogy there for our essential life force, self-preservation and determination to succeed. It chimes with me on so many levels, and I even used 'leaping salmon' in a job interview when asked which animal I would associate with, and why. (I didn't get the job.)
We all work to the exact same colour palette, so each design although embodying different styles, forms a cohesive collection that sewists and interiors designers can use to mix and match in their desired end use. It's a great way to work, and we can then use the combined effort of our collective for a bigger marketing push.
I always feel excited when the new theme is decided (we all vote from a selection we submit - and spoiler alert - we're about to vote on the next one).
There's a kind of alchemy in taking a bunch of hex codes and some descriptive words and turning them into designs by the labour of our own hands, which can then be bought on tangible, physical products such as fabric and home decor.
I feel so lucky I get to call this my job.
View the full collection of over 150 designs.
View my designs in this collection.
Let me know what you think - do you like the palette? Do you have a favourite pattern? I can make colour changes on most of these designs, and would be happy to do so. Contact me to discuss!