Found Objects #14: Surface Patterns & Sewing Projects
I've been obsessed with patterns lately.
I’ve been obsessed with making surface patterns lately. It’s been a great break from the labor and decision-making that goes into comics and other types of visual narratives. Although there’s a fair amount of creative problem-solving required to make a cohesive design, I find the process of making repeat patterns to be much more breezy and relaxing. Here are a few projects that I’ve been working on:
You might recognize this pattern from the recipe zine that I made last December. I decided to print it at a larger scale on linen cotton canvas on Spoonflower and make a few tea towels to give as gifts.
I usually make and acquire objects that are functional and aesthetically-pleasing (according to my tastes.) Tea towels don’t absorb water well, but now I’m thinking of ways to justify having one in my kitchen—
Because they’re just so pretty!
In addition to the vegetarian soup ingredient print, I drew some quick gestures and shapes with ink and arranged them into a pattern on Photoshop. I usually sketch my designs with this technique from Julia Rothman, but I recently learned about Photoshop’s “Pattern Preview” function. It’s an easy way to see the pattern as a whole and make edits to assure a seamless repeat. Such a convenient tool!
Gesture drawings in ink that I scanned and rearranged on Photoshop.
The final pattern.
A new shirt!
I made a pattern from an old shirt that I completely wore out, and I sewed it on Sunday, the day after a massive ice storm that caused most people on the coast of Maine to lose their power for 24+ hours. The fabric is cotton jersey.
And the biggest project of all — my partner and I just bought a house! It’s an older house, full of dated wallpaper and needing quite a bit of maintenance. (But we love it!) I’ve been dreaming of all the new patterns that I could make. (Probably not wallpaper though. I’m thinking curtains, a bedspread, and liners for kitchen drawers.)
Surprise green!
This room is going to be my studio (!) and it already looks so much better without the ugly trim. I can’t wait to paint — I’m still deciding on the best color. Any thoughts?
This wallpaper is the basement stairwell, and I love it!
If you like any of these patterns, (with exception to the wallpaper in our basement) I recently created a vendor profile on Spoonflower. I’m sure that I will be uploading more designs soon.
Thank you for reading! I appreciate your support.
I love these patterns, and the shirt you created, from start to finish! Amazing. And congratulations on the big project of the house!
Excited for you for your house! Is that the only window in the studio? Are you planning to hang art there? Honestly love a white wall for that kind of space? Especially since color is such an important part of your own work? Maybe a warm white just shy of pale yellow?