Designer Tidbits: Melly & Me

Tuck your little ones in this cute new collection for Riley Blake Designs. Snug as a Bug by Melly & Me is just as adorable as can be! Melanie’s creepy crawly collection and accompanying book feature perfect projects to wind down your summer. Melanie is here on the Jolly Jabber to tell you all about Snug as a Bug, so keep reading! We promise these bugs do not bite!

Q: Where did you find your original inspiration for this collection?
A:I find the world of bugs so fascinating. I was always obsessed with lady beetles as a little girl and I used to adore catching bugs. Spider webs have always fascinated me. It was actually the spider web print that was the first inspiration for this collection. I have had this web design in my mind’s eye for a couple of years and have always wanted to make a spider web design that reflects what I see as the magic, wonder, and beauty of a web rather than the usual spooky slant. I adore the web prints!

Q: What was your “aha” moment in designing this collection?
A:I think as soon as I decided to go with the web design that was always knocking at the door of my imagination, the direction was fairly obvious. It was next that I designed the Little Lola Ladybug toy that can be made using the panel. I was instantly in love with her and this made the direction of the collection so clear. Everything flowed on from here.

Q: What would be your collection’s theme song?
A:Weezer – All My Friends Are Insects.

Q:Tell me about your sewing machine. What kinds do you have and how many?
A:I am lucky enough to have a Bernina 820 which is my favourite toy in the whole wide world!

Q:What is your favorite part of the fabric industry?
A:What could be better than designing the item that is your complete obsession?! As an insanely enthusiastic fabric shopper and fabric fondler, to be able to create a collection of fabrics is just the ultimate dream come true. I love being able to be a small part of all of the beautiful things people will create with my fabrics.

Q:From what aspect of your life do you draw creativity?
A:I think from my childhood as well as from my own two children. I think I have always related to color and cuteness and when designing I really tap into what would have made my heart sing as a little girl. The quirkiness of nature is also another great source of inspiration for me!

Q:What is your design process?
A: I am a computer girl for sure. I am self-taught on Illustrator and this is what I use to design my collections from start to finish. I do make some rough sketches sometimes before I begin on the computer, but more often than not, I just start drawing in Illustrator and the designs take shape as I go.

Q:What is your favorite print in the collection?
A:If I had to pick just one then I think I would have to say the Yellow Circles Yardage. I just love the balance of shades that come together in this print, it makes me feel so happy.

Q:What is the most challenging part of the design process?
A:I find the most challenging part of the design process is cutting the designs and color-ways down to a neat and concise collection. There are always prints or color-ways that I adore and to get rid of them feels like losing a treasure.

Q:What are your favorite and least favorite colors and why?
A:It is always so hard to pick favourites!! I think I just adore all bright and fun colors. The most I could cut it down to are my favourite 3 colors at the moment which are lime green, turquoise and pink – I just love their contrast and the way they play together. Probably my least favourite color is Navy Blue, for some reason I have never managed to appreciate it, maybe that comes from years of wearing a Navy school uniform!

Do you plan to make anything with Snug as a Bug? Our very own Codi made the Little Ladybug Bag from Snug as a Bug AND the Little Lola Ladybug Panel Project! She was certainly inspired!