Vintage Patterns of Japan

This beautiful book arrived from Amazon today. It's called 'Vintage Patterns of Japan'.

I saw it in a book shop in town, but didn't buy it as it's pretty expensive, but immediately wished I had when I got home because it is a brilliant source book for patterns and colours.

There are beautiful candy colours and traditional patterns and designs.

I think they'd be great for screenprinting inspiration, or embroidery.

Or maybe, just some sketching.

I'd also like to do a bit of lino-cutting and these look perfect for that.

I don't actually have time to do any of these things at the moment, but once I have cloned myself, there'll be no problems, and I'll be crafting to my hearts content.

In the meantime, there is always time for biscuits.

V and A Pattern - The Fifties

I was given this lovely book from the V & A on pattern in the 1950's for my birthday. The reason being that one of my New Year's resolutions (and maybe my only one, I like to be realistic) was to have a go at designing some fabric and get it printed up on Spoonflower.

So far, I haven't made much progress with that goal, but I was flicking few the book again today and thought I'd share some of the gorgeous patterns with you.

Marian Mahler / David Whitehead

 

Mary Oliver

  

 Robert Stewart

  

Robert Nicholson

  

 Lucienne Day

 

Jacqueline Groag