Shabd

Nancy introduced me to this beautiful collection after seeing some of my dyeing from the weekend, by designer Shabd Simon-Alexander. She makes limited edition collections, based on simple shapes with attention to fabric combinations and compositions.
Shabd’s line uses quality natural fibers including luxurious silks, organic cottons and textured wools. Both ecological and cultural sustainability are a consideration throughout the design process: “It’s very important for me to be socially- and historically-conscious as well: I want to know where and how my clothes are made, and I want to know that they have a history behind them".

I'm absolutely in love with these pieces; the colours, the patterns, the choice of fabric, the style of garment, the elegant and simple finish to them and their completely natural tones.

This has given me the urge to make some really simple and elegant dresses up for the Final Show, (absolutely love the maxi dresses above).  

Hmmm.... Is is too late to consider making one for the deadline in 2 days? .....

Dyeing Fabrics

 Some photos from my weekend at home which were spent natural dyeing and printing. Here's some sneak peaks at what went on, sorry for the crap quality photographs, I think I need a new camera!

Experimenting with natural Japanese Shibori dyeing

I found an excellent little blog post all about Shibori dyeing at home, such a straight forward process with really exciting results, would recommend it to anyone wanting to jazz up an old top or some bed sheets! Have a read here.

Visual Love

I have been 'Pinning' all my visual inspirations at Pinterest - my profile page is here, with boards dedicated to pattern & textiles, ceramics, colour, lovely things and more!

Designs - Fashion

 After experimenting with some of my stamp designs, I've started to consider their use as prints for fashion. In all honesty, I'm pleasantly surprised and I quite like them :)

 To put this to practice - IF I have the time - potentially before the Final Show rather than the deadline, I may try to print some fabric and mock up a really basic garment, or buy a simple and plain white garment and naturally dye/stamp it..... Just something else to go on the wish list of things to do with my non-existent time plan.

String Stamps & Books

I've been trying to work out what to do with my string stamps which I experimented with a while ago. I love the subtlety of them, how rough and textured they are, yet how well the string can work as a coherent pattern...

Started playing around with one of my favourite patterns and different colour combinations, focusing on a range of muted and quite earthy tones. I'm thinking book covers hand printed onto heavyweight linen, or screen printed as a range? Both are handmade processes, I'm thinking stamping straight on will actually be quicker than preparing a screen/stripping it/setting up/drying etc etc.... Decisions, decisions!

Ceramics Day 2

Points of Inspiration

Some key finds after a creative afternoon with Nancy searching blogs and shops... Oh I wish I had money to spend on these beautiful things!

Huset 
Your house for modern Scandinavian living
[Kahler Omaggio Bud Vase     &     MOR Nordica Body Oil]

 

Almedahls
"Almedahls was founded in 1846... All our experience and knowledge is used in everything we do... And the Scandinavian design tradition is our most important source of inspiration, as it has always been. At the same time we focus on creating new designs, finding new materials and always caring for the environment. A long tradition is worth most when it is used in the correct way. It is the combination of tradition and innovation, which makes Almedahls into what we stand for today."

The Scandinavian Design Centre
Contemporary Scandinavian designs for home decor, and garden.

Pompoon
Simply a beautiful blog, by photographer Carline Van Oel.

Skinny laMinx
Design label of illustrator and designer Heather Moore, from Cape Town, South Africa.

Papa Stour
Contemporary Craft & Design - Scotland
"Papa Stour is a treasure trove of fabulous contemporary craft and design. Find some of Scotland's newest and brightest talent here alongside long established designers."
[Ceramics from Tom]

MissPrint
"MissPrint aims to produce beautifully designed, contemporary wall-coverings, fabrics and interior accessories, all originating from hand drawn illustrations."

MUJI - NIYU Pair Mugs

Nancy also showed me Sarah Renwick, a student on VisCom, (can't believe I haven't noticed her work before!) She's got some incredible work designed and produced already, particularly impressive as she's only in her second year!

Lotta Jansdotter

I recently bought one of Lotta Jansdotter's books after Nancy recommended her work, and it's absolutely beautiful. Decided to indulge in a second book today, which is incredibly inspirational. Her love of handmade is evident throughout her lovely work. She manages the fine balance of tactile, creative, simple and elegant, whilst looking entirely professional. She has been and will continue to be a key inspiration of mine.