20th Century Moroccan Carpets

How much character can these add to any space!
I love textured carpets.

Photos curtesy of F. J. Hakimian

Trimmings competition - What can you make?

It's no secret that I love fabrics, I love textile design and I adore creative people.
Take those three, combine them together and you get Umbrella Prints.

Amy and Carly, the energetic and lovely ladies who run Umbrella Prints, came up with a great idea for a creative competition based on their Trimmings packets, which run this year for the second time.
The competition is simple and fun - get one of the trimmings packets (you can choose between 6 different color groups) and create something pretty out of it!  It is super easy as the colours and patterns of the fabrics are so delicious and inspiring!
It's a wonderful idea and a great way to challeng your creativity and not to mention - to win great prizes.

Head over to the competition page for more details and check out the flickr group to see others creations. Good luck everyone! I would love hearing (and seeing!) what you're making!!

Mina Perhonen Dresses

Lately I see Mina Perhonen's design everywhere (this week at Ermie blog for example). That's just fine as I can't get enough of their textiles and fashion.
These two photos (by Mooocha Akeshin on Flickr) caught my attention as they show Mina Perhonen's dresses in such a different way than the meticulous manner they are usually presented.

IKEA Textile inspiration

2 fantastic DIY textile projects from IKEA that are so easy to make and gorgeous to look at.
I just love the idea of making this lamp out of fabric scraps (that I have in hidden places all around the house...) and it put an end to my endless search for the perfect floor lamp for our living room.

I was also smiling at Creature Comfort's Ez idea of making this lamp into a Xmas tree. What do you think? I find it genius!


Photos: MARCUS LAWETT and SY - SINCERELY TEXTILES

Happy Monday!

These lovely prints by Netherlands' textile artist Guusje Wannet made me smile today.

More on Guusje's blog and shop.

Patterns Inspiration

Recently wherever I look I see patterns.

Print in Fashion by Marnie Fogg












Patterns: New Surface Design by Cole Drusilla

I am attracted to the art of print and especially textile design for some time now.
I remember I started following Lena Corwin's work, I think it was about four or five years ago now, and was amazed at her work and at her approach to patterns and surface design.
It might be the first time I paid attention to this medium.
And then it struck me - how broad it is and how textile design touches us on our everyday life.

Couple of years later and I believe it is time for me to try it myself and have a little play with patterns and fabrics!
I'm about to start a Screen Printing course next month and am so, so excited!!
Until then I spend my time with some great print and craft books such as the above and a pack of other inspirational finds.

P.S. If you are interested in learning screen and other forms of printing and lucky enough to live in Brooklyn, Both Lotta Jansdotter and Lena Corwin gives occasional classes and workshops at the area.
Check it out here: Lotta Jansdotter Studio / Lena Corwin's studio.