Sometimes a collection comes together after long periods of research, other times like a jig saw puzzle with elements slotting together as I work. This collection was different. From the moment the title 'Joys of Spring' came to me, I could envision the colours, flowers and most importantly the story that I wanted to tell. This collection simply 'sprung' into my mind and wanted to be made. It really felt effortless to design and I almost didn't need a mood board because I was that sure of my inspiration and vision.
To encapsulate this joyful, happy collection I really focussed on one of my favourite parts of spring, where flowers bloom into life. Using the metaphor of a spring ball, the flowers awaken to an invitation and begin to ready themselves for the dance...
The breeze is warm, the sun is high,
to winter we have said goodbye.
Between longer days and sudden showers,
it’s time to waken all the flowers.
Who is going to answer the call?
An invite to the Springtide Ball.
The daffodil responds first, in this event she is well versed.
Patiently watching this silent contest.
Who indeed will look the best?
Slowly she adjusts her crown,
a fitting adornment to match her gown.
Wearing cloaks of yellow and green,
Celandine reaches up to primp and preen.
Glancing at pretty Anemone,
lacing her skirts from memory.
As shy and dainty Lady’s Smock,
dons her delicate petal frock.
Camellias yawn and stretch in delight,
ruffling petticoats purposefully to catch the light.
Crocus skips flirting from her way,
his petals bedecked and on display.
The music starts, the birds sing,
an enchanting tune, the songs of Spring.
Flower’s twirl to the sun’s beat,
a happy melody set on repeat.
Windswept leaves break the trance,
a slight pause in the eternal dance.
Reaching out so very high,
almost plucking the glow right from the sky.
A favour to hold, a tangible thing,
to have and keep the joys of Spring.
Meet the gorgeous hero print of my collection, 'Springtide.' She comes in three delicious spring colours, 'Pastel Pink,' 'Spring Green' and 'Sunshine Yellow' and features all of the spring flowers mentioned in my poem. Daffodils, celandine, anemone, lady's smock, camellias and crocus' dance gaily in this tossed print to the songs of spring. To me, these prints encapsulate the essence of the season; I can almost feel the sun on their faces as they reach upwards towards the sky.
My secondary pattern 'Songs of Spring' is perhaps my favourite of the whole collection. Available in 'Pastel Yellow,' 'Sunshine Yellow' and 'Light Pink,' she has quite a dainty composition with the smaller ditsy flowers nestled amongst the larger anemones. I could see this tossed print being used in so many different projects, from bags to little girls dresses.
'Camellias Charm' is a tone on tone, multidirectional, linear pattern which comes in 'Light Pink,' 'Sunrise Orange' and 'Dark Spring Green.' Whilst sketching this I instantly knew I wanted to inject a block colour into this collection by creating a tone on tone design. Despite technically being a busy print it still feels subtle due to the delicate way it has been coloured. I felt a linear design also gave a feeling of those petticoats 'ruffling,' which was something I really wanted to capture.
I actually began this collection by designing this co-ordinate print, 'Daffodil Delight.' From the moment I envisioned this collection I knew that I wanted daffodils to feature quite heavily due to their prominent association with spring and was keen to start by drawing daffodil motifs. I spent a long time obsessing over the correct shads of yellow to use and coordinating colours to accentuate the flowers. I already had an idea that I also wanted green, pink and white to feature quite a lot in the collection and it only seemed natural to start the collection with these colours at the forefront of my mind. You can find 'Daffodil Delight' in 'Pastel Yellow,' 'Pastel Pink' and 'Spring Green.'
Finally, meet my sweet blender 'Flowerets,' available in 'Pale Sage Green,' 'Sunshine Yellow' and 'Sunrise Orange.' For the background colours I wanted to use accent colours that would highlight some of the brighter colours from the collection. I kept the tossed white flowers neutral so that the background colours would 'pop.' Being a blender I also wanted to keep the scale fairly small so that it would compliment all of the other designs without over powering them. I can see this pattern being used in lovely quilt bindings and fun bag and dress linings. I really can't wait to see how you use them!
You can find ‘Joys of Spring’ in all good fabric shops from January 2025. To view the full collection just click HERE.
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