Q: Where did you find your original inspiration for Indian Summer?
A:I think the very first piece of inspiration was a little toy. You know those green plastic army soldiers? This one was an indian. And he was the most amazing color. Like rust and ochre. I think that sort of got the ball rolling with the theme. It then led to images of vintage rucksacks, camping trips, teepees and general outdoorsiness, which I love.
Q: What was your “aha” moment in designing this collection?
A: The ‘aha’ was definitely the first sketch I did, which turned into the Woodland print (available in Pine and Oak). I imagined it as mountains, hills and lakes, but I think a lot of people (okay, everyone I’ve talked to) sees it as teepees. Isn’t it funny how you can be thinking one thing and people can see another? Either way, I love that print, whether it is mountains or teepees.
Q: What TV show or movie does your collection fit best in?
A:I think Hook, but if Hook were a western (and not the best Peter Pan movie ever). Or…maybe the Fantastic Mr. Fox. I’ve never seen it, but I think with the aesthetic and a general theme of foxes, it’d fit right in.
Q:What projects do you hope to see made with Indian Summer?
A:Well I think anything for kids would be amazing. I’ve made some kid’s room accessories, and some garlands and decorations that I think would make for a great kid’s party. Also, there’s this idea of a sweet heart quilt that I’ve been working on. It should be finished and up on my blog soon with instructions, so I’d love to see people make that!
Q:You currently live in Brazil (jealous!), how has your surroundings influenced your design aesthetic?
A:Living in Brazil is definitely an education. Just this weekend my husband and I went camping, and I honestly spent half the time pressing leaves in my notebook. There are so many natural shapes here that I’ve never seen before. We live in a really hot area, and so it’s interesting to see how people wear their clothes here. Prints, colors and pattern are matched like I’ve never seen before.
Q:What is your favorite print in Indian Summer?
A:I still get sad about picking a favorite. They’re all my favorite! But Menagerie (available in Timberwolf and Onyx) is one of my favorite all time prints. I think it has so many uses. I’ve been making individual projects with the animal faces, but because it’s a two-tone and a very subtle pattern it works so great for apparel and as a blender. It cuts up really well too, which is useful.
Q:What are your favorite and least favorite colors and why?
A:Least favorite color? What an idea. I don’t think I have a least favorite color. I believe individually any color can shine. But often times colors get matched up with others that maybe they shouldn’t be with. So I guess you have to watch out for that. But right now, some of my favorite colors are creme, inky blues, khakis and ochre. But maybe I like these because they have great neutral qualities, and that allows me to match them up with brights like teals and aquas and pinks.
Q:What’s next for you? Do you have any special upcoming projects?
A:Oh, yes! As we speak I’m working on the sequel to Sweet Coco, the first children’s book I illustrated. It’s a sweet little project, you can check out the first one here. Other than that, I’m always developing new prints and putting together new collections for fabric. I had a blast designing Indian Summer, so who knows, maybe designing another children’s line would be on the horizon?
3 comments
I love this line that Sarah created! Beautiful colors and textures, Kudos for a beautiful yet very detailed fabric line!!!!
It's funny that she thinks of this as a children's line because it's so hipster and on trend that I think of it as a perfect young adult (like 20-something) focus!
Is there a pattern for the quilt that is shown in this article? Thank you