My Art Is Becoming Fabric! Introducing the Rare Patterns Collaboration
Introducing the Rare Patterns Collaboration!
I've got some exciting news I've been sitting on for a little while, and I'm finally ready to share it!
My abstract florals are now available as fabric for a limited time.
But not just any fabric… Think premium, breathable natural fibres. Designed locally in Australia.
Yes! That's right. I'm teaming up with Michelle from Rare Patterns, a textile & product designer with over 15 years of experience in textiles, homewares and interiors.
Together, we bring a selection of my new abstract floral artworks to life on linen and cotton. Made with slow fashion & home sewing enthusiasts in mind. But with my art, in a form you can actually bring into your wardrobe in a whole new way.
How It Started
Michelle from Rare Patterns reached out to me about licensing some of my newer abstract floral pieces onto fabric. As soon as I saw the mockups, I was obsessed! There's something really special about seeing a painting translated onto textiles. (And I know that from many years working in fashion design as a textile designer!)
But even after all that time freelancing for big fashion brands, collaborating with Michelle felt completely different. It felt more intimate and personal. This collaboration means a lot to me because it's two small Australian businesses backing each other. Michelle is a fellow textile designer and business owner, and it's been such a joy working with someone who gets the grind (and the love) behind building something from scratch.
I spoke with Michelle briefly, and this is what she had to say…
Tell me about yourself and your journey as a textile designer
I’ve always been creative from a young age, studying fine art and then fashion before I discovered textile design - the perfect fusion of art and fashion. I’ve followed a traditional career path: I studied Textile Design at RMIT in Melbourne, and immediately after graduating, I landed a role at Sheridan, an iconic Australian homewares brand.
There, I learnt so much about design and art techniques, and I also got a taste of range and product development. Product development is where materials, technical details, and research come together with design to create finished products. So all the small details, such as printing techniques, trims, materials, and liaising with factories to make the products to your exact specifications.
I really enjoy both design and product development, which I guess is why I was drawn to start my own business.
What made you start Rare Patterns?
I’ve always loved fabric, and have been sewing since I was young, including making formal dresses for myself and friends (though looking back now they are not my finest pieces... let’s just say it was the early 2000s!).
I’ve been in the design industry for around 15 years, and after that long you start to see the trends coming back around 2-3 times now, so I guess I began to long for designing my own collections that didn’t necessarily follow trends, that are just a true reflection of good design.
Often the briefs in commercial design are quite generic, as you may notice when you look at what’s in stores. The same colours everywhere, or the same floral style across multiple retailers.
I am also passionate about good-quality fabrics, and many of the companies I used to design for use lower-quality fabrics and printing techniques, so I wanted to create fabrics that can become heirloom pieces.
What’s Rare Patterns all about?
Rare Patterns is a boutique fabric store (online only) that celebrates the art of design. All of our prints are hand-drawn and painted by me and, now, our first artist collab with Carolyn. I want to show all the texture and brushstrokes that come from making art by hand.
I’m more of a watercolour artist, so you’ll see some beautiful tonal shades in my artwork, whereas an artist like Carolyn is much more expressive and textural.
Why choose to collaborate with local artists specifically?
I’m a big supporter of local and independent artists; the stories and influences that they bring to their work are inspiring.
Having worked in my industry for so long, I have lots of creative contacts, and it's great to follow many fellow designers on their creative journeys into other mediums.
I also love visualising traditional fine art as repeat patterns; I guess it’s a skill I’ve honed over many years, and it really excites me to see artwork transformed into fabric. That’s something many artists often can’t see, and I'd love to educate more artists about licensing their artwork as another income source.
What was it about my art that drew you in?
I’ve been a long-time fan of your artwork as a designer and artist, so when you began painting expressive florals as fine art pieces, I was really drawn to the colour and movement in your work. It has so much emotion, and your use of colour is really striking - the brights and neons with the contrasting black and white.
I love that they are somewhat abstract but still recognisable as florals, so I think it’s easy to see how these pieces could fit into your life.
Also, knowing your background as an accomplished textile designer, I knew you’d be able to see what I could see and create repeat patterns from your artwork.
Where can people find and follow you?
You can find us on our website www.rarepatterns.com.au and on socials @rarepatterns. You can also subscribe to our email list via our website for updates, special offers and new collection launches.
Michelle also turned the tables and interviewed me for her blog!
Read the full interview on the Rare Patterns site here to learn more about my process and how this collection came to life!
Shop the fabric collection!
Today, the collection is finally live! Head to the Rare Patterns and shop my range of bold, abstract floral fabric and use code CAROLYN10 for a little something extra from me - 10% off ALL fabrics! Happy sewing! Carolyn
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