here’s one I made earlier :: patterns apart

Pattern design is something that has been intriguing me lately. Happily, I got chatting to Rozynna Fielding of Patterns Apart at Pulse a few weeks ago, and she kindly agreed to let me in on the design process behind her current range.

Inspiration can come from the most unlikely places, and for Rozynna it was spotting this little snippet of flooring at Cornwall’s Eden Project, that reminded her of some kitchen chairs her Grandmother had in the 70s. She always carries a sketchbook with her and so, as well as taking this snap, she started sketching right away.

Rozynna then did some research into patterns from that era, sketching as she went, and developed a design she calls her ‘retro design’. Keen to bring it into the 21st century, she developed a cool and tranquil colour palate, combining lime green and turquoise, with a touch of navy for definition. The next step was to get the design onto the trusty Mac. Using a graphics tablet and stylus, Rozynna drew the first motif straight into Illustrator, using ‘reflection and joining techniques’ to ensure a perfect finish. Retro features a simple block repeat, which is the simplest method of creating a repeat pattern, using a grid and rulers for accuracy. Colour was added once the Rozynna was happy with the layout.

The pattern was then digitally printed onto heavy cotton, which was used to make lampshades. The fabric was backed onto a specific covering material and then rolled onto the metal rings.

Et voila!

The design has also been used on everything from iPhone and iPad covers to mugs, cushions and sketchbooks.