Since I’ve started painting, a number of friends told me they could see my paintings as textiles.
It’s not a stretch. I’ve always been inspired and influenced by textiles, surface design, and fashion. My graduate thesis, despite being made in metal, was all about textiles, and I even designed all the repeat patterns I used in my wire sculpture.
And the truth was, I could see my paintings as textiles as well.
But I resisted. Even though I know a decent amount about textile design, I wasn’t sure I was ready for a line that needed some degree of outsourcing. (In this case, the textile printing.)
And my experiments with hand painting textiles over the summer didn’t go so well.
So when Amber mentioned turning my paintings into textiles a few weeks ago, I resisted again.
And then, last week, I couldn’t resist any longer.
I was sitting in Starbucks, reading about creativity, when it suddenly became clear.
I had to go home and design fabric.
Right now.
And so I did.
And since then, I’ve been digitizing paintings, creating repeats, and ordering fabric, with the goal of getting my first prototypes done before Crafty Bastards.
I received my first fabric samples this week and promptly made my first products:
scarves!
Why scarves? you may wonder. Because a metal necklace can’t keep you warm. (And you know I’m always cold.) Plus, a scarf is really just a big, fabric necklace!
I’m definitely still in the experimental stage when it comes to fabrics and designs, but I’m planning on debuting several scarf designs, plus pillows and maybe even some bags, at Crafty Bastards next Saturday!
If you’re in the DC area, be sure and stop by. I’ll be there Saturday the 28th in booth 71!
Can’t make it to Crafty Bastards? Make sure you sign up for the mailing list (in the sidebar) to know when my new designs launch online!
Megan-
I would love to buy a scarf from you.
I’ve been designing some knit scarf patterns, and you just kept popping into my head, over and over again.
So I thought I’d come check out the studio, and here you are making beautiful scarves!
So, when they go online, I want one. 🙂
Brilliant! It’s totally perfect. This is why “personal work” is so important! You never know where it will take you. (or your business!) I may see you at CB in DC!
These are so lovely Megan! I was wondering how your paintings were going to merge with your other work. I love these moody colors, and the options are really endless, so exciting!
Have you seen the new Weather Diary collection from marimekko? Reminded me of your new venture. Best of luck with it …