Karen Barbé | PATTERNS on TEXTILES

The Almgren Silk Weaving Mill

2008-10-09T03:01:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I finally visited this mill-museum I've been meaning to know since I read about it on Redgate Studios' blog (Rebecca came to Stockholm last year for the International Wallpaper Conference and got the chance to visit some other wonderful places). The Almgren silk weaving mill has been in production for almost 170 years which makes it a real living museum. Though I don't know much about weaving, I was equally impressed with the antique looms, the exquisite patterns and diagrams and the untouched working rooms, which are preserved just as they were originally arranged.

Craft makes a comeback

2008-10-03T09:54:00.004-04:00

Monocle's last edition cover caught my attention: Craft makes a comeback. Along with the eye-catching illustrations by Gaku Nakagawa it outlines the main points of this phenomenon: 'The rise of real provenance', ' Why China's out of fashion for manufacturers' and 'That's right, we're making everything in Europe again'. The main article points out how many companies are bringing manufacturing back to their own countries after the recent rise of oil price and a general unease about outsourcing jobs to unscrupulous factories. After this past 20 years trend of outsourced production, it seems that the "Made In Where You Think It Should Be Made" is enjoying a revival. And as for the current tough times in world economy, the likely favoured are going to be the companies that offer products with lasting values as opposed to goods created to being on-trend for two seasons.

Monocle October 2008 issue photographed on IKEA's 365+ RISP quilt cover in black (which is, by the way, made in Turkey but designed in Sweden by designer Maria Vinka).

Textiles - National Museum

2008-09-24T15:51:00.005-04:00

There are some splendid textile samples at National Museum in Stockholm. From above: Blåblad (1939) by Astrid Sampe for NK:s Textilkammare; Anglar (1972) by Lotta Hagerman for Tiogruppen; Oppo (1966) by Sven Fristedt.

Yellow hues

2008-09-21T04:05:00.000-04:00

Since being in Stockholm I've noticed a lot of muted yellow hues in design and architecture. I have always disregarded the use of this palette as I believe it could not be any less flattering (ok, I'm biased because I really look sick when wearing these colours). But here half of the buildings are painted in this dull yellow (and the other half in a soft terracotta) and people actually wear it in their outfits (it beautifully enhances golden hair). So now that autumn has officially arrived and I have found some wonderful examples, I think I could seriously welcome these colours into my primary design palette. Straw, gold, mustard, ochre, amber, butterscotch, beeswax, bamboo, bronze. And some olive, moss, fern, celery and lime to blend in.

(From above) Marimekko's shop windows for this coming autumn: La Botte floral pattern by Maija Isola; I love the beautiful detail of Isola's handwritting in the pattern (10.8.75 Helsinki "La Botte" Maija Isola); glass jars in Parnukka by Erja Hirvi.

(Bottom picture) When looking for some extra covers for this chilly autumn, I found this old bedspread in the attic of my apartment building. It's a bold printed bedspread by bedroom furniture company Lagans.

And have a look at what I also found going through a cupboard in this apartment.

Fonda in my kitchen

2008-09-18T09:19:00.004-04:00

Today is Chile's Independence Day and I felt like doing something to celebrate the day and make my kitchen resemble a Chilean fonda. I know it's not looking any similar to those picturesque fondas, but at least I have copihues and kites and that nice feeling that spring is finally coming (well, in Chile). Now, I have to go out and get some red wine! ¡Feliz 18 a todos!

Inspired by Stig Lindberg

2008-09-17T02:17:00.010-04:00

Yesterday while visiting the National Museum in Stockholm I saw this interesting screen-printed fabric inspired by Stig Lindberg's popular Berså motif. The young artist, Erik Åleby (b.1985) changed the calm leaves for hand grenades aiming to draw attention to current problems in the world, such as war in Irak and starvation in Sudanese region of Darfur. Bomber och granater (Bombs and grenades-2006) is printed on cotton and belongs to the current exhibition of modern Swedish design at the National Museum.

Berså (arbor) is probably the most well-known ceramic motif by Stig Lindberg. Berså tableware was produced by Gustavbergs Porcelain Factory from 1960 until 1974 and achieved immediate success when launched.

Celebrating Traditions - Formex Autumn 08

2008-09-01T01:00:00.006-04:00

I'm so happy that I was able to visit Formex fair here in Stockholm. This season's theme was Celebrating Traditions, a tribute to Swedish traditions (Midsummer, snaps and national costumes) and craftsmanship (weaving, embroidery, needlework, lacework, silversmithing, etc.). I can't think of a better country than Sweden to hold a fair inspired by crafts and traditions. It always marvels me how they appreciate their traditional work and let it slip into their contemporary design. And I'm certain to say that the major influence as a designer after staying here probably is not the design or aesthetic itself, but the sense of national identity, respect and attachment to locally created things that makes you long for your own roots.

Talking about this I'd like to quote Ebba Redman from Domestic Craft who has an interesting view on Swedish crafts and how Scotland (or any other country given the case) could follow a similar path:

"There was Swedish tourist tat too. I could have bought myself a Viking helmet complete with yellow braids, or moose antler headband, anything with a Swedish flag on... Basically the same sort of Scottish tourist stuff you get. It just seemed there was also the good quality stuff, things that were handmade and traditional but also cool and really very funky (...) I think it's interesting what you said about national designs. Sweden is very nationalistic, perhaps more so than Scotland. I think it is fantastic living in a multicultural society and I think this adds so much to our lives. I think we need to use a broader language of Scottish designs, as you say there's tartan, thistles and Celtic knots... but there is also Fair Isle patterns, Arts and Crafts motifs, the dramatic scenery that surrounds us, all to take inspiration from. It seems there is actually a lot to be worked with not to mention the actual making skills themselves. I think we need to get out of the rut of making the same old 'Scottish' things and try and reestablish a new language of Scottish design. There is no reason why this couldn't reflect our society now and take on influences and ideas from the other cultures and people now living in Scotland. I think it is nice to have a theme or design motifs to associate with Scotland. The traditional crafts I saw in Sweden often used similar painted stencils or colours, or one element would be kept to tie it in as something traditional but the other elements of the design would be changed/modified. If there were somewhere showing traditional Scottish craft it would be great to not see a place only filled with tartan and thistles but have things made from local materials, or using traditional skills but in a contemporary way."

The pictures above belong to the "concept rooms" at Formex which were designed by Jan Rundgren and Lars Eriksson. Arranged by colours they contain objects that characterise the new and the old- from handicrafts to the new design. The fair's theme confirms the huge handmade/folklore/traditional trend for this coming year.

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Among the overwhelming display of objects at the fair, I spotted my already favourite brands and also discovered some new names that I'd like to share here.

Linda Svensson (Sweden) - After working for clients such as IKEA, now this textile designer is launching her own collection of fabrics and pillows.

Lena Håkanson from Non Stop Design (Sweden) - Her design work is influenced by local traditions and crafts.

Pappelina (Sweden) - Bold patterns on plastic rugs, blankets, tablecloths and kitchen towels.

Erika Tubbin (Sweden) - Accessories, t-shirts and beautiful embroidered clogs (shown above), all surfaced with her signature pattern.

Stoffen & Sloffen (Neatherlands) - Vintage fabrics and the sweetest embroidered slippers imported from Greece.

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For more pictures from Formex Autumn 08, go here.

Details - Nordiska Museet

2008-08-28T01:00:00.001-04:00

This is the final post on Nordiska Museet. From above: Braille sign system with 3D models of costumes; antique embroidery; traditional paper flowers.

Textiles - Nordiska Museet

2008-08-27T05:53:00.012-04:00

Nordiska Museet is probably the museum I enjoy most. I love how they mix renowned designers, annonymous handcrafters and tradition into an exhibition that always feels fresh and modern. Here some pictures of textiles exhibited there.

From above: Applet (1959) by Annika Malmström for Mölnlycke Väveri. Screen printed and hand stenciled; (back) Pythagoras (1952) by architect Sven Markelius, one of the prominent figures of Swedish functionalism, (front) Abstraktion, curtain by Stig Lindberg, artistic leader at Gustavbergs Porcelain Factory; (front) two colourways of Windy Way (1955) by Astrid Sampe for NK:s Textilkammare (Nordiska Kompaniet's Textiles Chambers); "The 1950s was the promised decade of textile design. After the Second World War, people wanted light, flowery motifs. This changed with the breakthrough of abstract art and its effect upon textile design. Fabric patterns that had previously only been decorative now gained intrinsic artistic value. Designers began to sign their textile prints. Even the large, colourful patterns from furnishing fabrics were used in fabrics for clothes."

Last week I met Ebba Redman from Domestic Craft and had a wonderful time talking about design, crafts and, of course, Nordiska Museet! She's a very nice, friendly and down-to-earth girl and much interested in how design and crafts are evolving. And, don't be fooled by the cocktails! We were celebrating being in Stockholm! ;)

Wrist Warmers - Nordiska Museet

2008-08-20T03:37:00.005-04:00

These wrist warmers are a modern approach to a traditional Swedish accessory. Wrist warmers along with mittens and gloves are main accessories of the traditional Swedish outfit. Seen at Nordiska Museet in Stockholm.

Tapetboken

2008-08-19T04:10:00.005-04:00

Tapetboken by Ingela Broström and Elisabeth Stavenow-Hidemark covers the history of wallpapers in Sweden. Written in Swedish -with a summary in English- it's a wonderful visual treat of patterns and colour. I was surprised to discover that early wallpapers were actually nailed onto walls.

Cilla Ramnek

2008-08-18T04:30:00.002-04:00

I read about Cilla Ramnek almost a year ago and since then I've been wanting to visit Café Saturnus in Stockholm just to check this marvelous mosaic work done on the floor. Though it hasn't been updated for a while her blog is packed with pictures of her brilliant work. As I wasn't able to find any recent news about Cilla around the web, I was delighted when I read about some of her latest work while browsing the last issue of Hemslöjden magazine (08/4). Mönsterkrockar (Pattern Clash) is a textile installation at Sofiero Palace in Helsinborg, Sweden, where she mixes style and tradition, combining textiles and furniture from Svenskt Tenn's Josef Frank and Estrid Ericson.

How to pattern design

2008-08-11T10:09:00.003-04:00

Every time I'm told my patterns lack some colour, I answer the same thing: I design them to be reproduced on a single colour medium (block-printing, felt, one-colour screen printing), which happens to be an affordable way to print or produce pieces on a handmade scale.

So, this leads me to the question: how textile patterns should be designed? Should I start designing as I had 28 different colour screens for my pattern and then just translate it or make it fit into the actual printing technique? Or just go for it and make the most of the limitations of the medium? The answer might seem obvious when designing for a client that has just asked for a single or two-coloured pattern. But, what happens when designing for yourself, for your own emerging label?

I've always approached the design of new patterns having in mind the final medium. Felt and block-printing share much the same requirements: no fine details. Screen printing is a much versatile technique and true to the original illustration, being its main restriction the size and price of screens. So, whether it's for cutting down costs or just saving time, one colour prints appear as a good alternative.

According to my own experience, with single colour prints, shapes take the leading part hence illustrations must be bold and eye-catching. When a second, third or more tones enter the scene, then it's all about the flowing rhythm of colours you can achieve that will get people drawn to it. So, what I'm really wondering with all this is: as a designer, should I be designing patterns/motifs in their full possibilities of colour and then adapt them to the given technique? As this could turn out to be quite stressing, is it smarter then to design flexible patterns which are easier to translate from a single colour into a colourful one and the other way round?

Of course, after all this questioning, I had to make an experiment and added new layers of colours to Frutti. Then, last Saturday I spotted this iittala window here in Stockholm and realised what a great example it is of translating a multicoloured pattern into a single colour print. In fact, I must say I was delighted to rediscover its lines and pure shapes beneath all the airbrushed colour. Taika was designed by Finnish artist Klaus Haapaniemi in 2007.

Colourful Taika pattern

Now Taika in black and white

By the way, why did I mention 28 screens? Have a look at Jobs Handprinted Textiles, a Swedish company handprinting textiles up to 28 different colours. Wouldn't that be a dream?

Danish printed coaster

2008-07-31T14:09:00.001-04:00

A printed coaster found at Stockholm Stadsmission, a charity foundation raising money for needed people through -among other initiatives- second hand stores. Great vintage finds all around though they are not precisely bargain stuff. Let's say I paid 20 SEK for this sweet Danish coaster (around $3.30). I'm really not used to pay this much for a 14 x 14 cm thrift piece, but definitely won't complain about it nor think of how many things I could have bought in a Chilean second hand store just for the same money (I know, three retro polyester/viscose scarves can't compare to this Danish cutie).

What really amazes me is the frayed border that stays in place without further fraying yet it has no stitching. Is it the print ink? It isn't that thick though. Maybe it's just the fabric itself with a tight weaving.

Hello Stockholm

2008-07-24T03:11:00.006-04:00

I've never gone too personal on this blog before mainly because I've always thought of it as an exclusive space for my design work. But today I'm making an exception. Almost one year ago I wrote my first post here when I came back from a stay in Stockholm, so I think it makes sense to write again about it now that I'm back in this city. I'll be here until October soaking up great Swedish design and hope to be posting all the nice things I spot around in the city.

(Above) This is me at Café String in trendy SoFo area (think of Brick Lane in London or Le Marais in Paris) having fika (a break for having a coffee / fare uno spuntino).

Craft swap

2008-07-23T06:10:00.004-04:00

This is my first swap with a blogger fellow! Some weeks ago, Londoner Vicky Langdon from Plush Patterns (and from new DeWolf prints) asked me to do a local crafty things swap. It turned out to be so fun! She sent me a pack full of colour and patterns, including neon felt and ribbons (Vicky tells me neon is a huge trend right now in London), lovely patterned hangtags and a paper bag from Paperchase, a cute little kimono card priced in Yens (which makes me think it comes from somewhere farther than London) and, what I love most, an amazing prints set from her newly created brand DeWolf.

For more on this swap and seeing what I sent to Vicky go here and here.

Frutti bags

2008-07-06T17:17:00.002-04:00

These are some bags I've sewn using Frutti block-printed cotton. Though I'm addicted to block-printing and really love how it conveys a handmade feel, I'm not sure what's the general perception of its finish. I'm wondering if some people could misunderstand the whole effect with a shoddily made screen-print. After all we are nowadays accustomed to mass produced textile goods that look almost flawless.

These bags are going to a newly opened shop here in Santiago with whom I have also been working on the design of their brand identity. More on that soon.

Inspiration-abundance

2008-06-23T15:41:00.006-04:00

Ekekos picture from Cltn's Flickr

I've been trying to build a sort of mood board with these Frutti print samples and other elements that represent abundance, fertility and spring (am I too early yearning for it?). I've always admired the Altiplano's weaving, woolens and their use of bright colours in contrast with the dryness of the surroundings. (Above) Pompoms symbolise fertility and are beautifully used in the llamas flowering ritual. (Centre) An Aymará faja (sash) in bright fuchsia and lemon green. (Below) Some colour overloaded ekekos.

Frutti block-printing

2008-06-18T19:33:00.005-04:00

This is my first attempt at block-printing. I couldn't get a linoleum block to carve the motif so I made it out of foam rubber which proved to work pretty good. The tricky part is applying the right and even amount of pressure to the block, otherwise it may result in an irregular printed colour. I'll keep practising...

Frutti

2008-05-23T17:44:00.006-04:00

At last! Some technical problems with the sewing machine, a quick trip to the States and receiving an important but brief visit in between, kept me from finishing this project before. Originally I was working on a pomegranate motif (see fruit on bottom right) but then other fruits entered the scene. This felt pillow is specially cosy and sweet, and feels like a pink creamy pie. I love how the wool loop trimming inspired the frutti lettering.

LAN uniforms

2008-05-19T21:28:00.006-04:00

I couldn't resist these flight attendant uniforms from LAN airlines. I love the boldness of the pattern and how it breaks every graphic rule modifying the original horizontal logotype just for the sake of the pattern. Unfortunately, many clients won't accept that nowadays. As read on the back of these postcards, "with the opening of new routes, flight attendants used different and original uniforms according to the stopovers of the trip." Can you see those hats with clear influences from the Andean altiplano?

UPDATE: Here's an excellent source of uniforms from almost every known airline, with nice pictures of outfits and prints.
Gracias Cristian.-

MOO's Sticker Competition

2008-05-18T16:35:00.002-04:00

By late April I submitted these pictures for the MOO's Sticker Competition. The pair in the centre were two of the 90 winners! I understand they were all chosen by public voting, so whoever voted for mine, thanks sooooo much! I was awarded with a Flickr Pro account which just comes in handy as I'm thinking of getting a new camera. To see all of the winners, go and click here.

On my board

2008-04-28T18:56:00.005-04:00

After working on a bunch of designs for a local sportswear apparel collection (that means lots of drawings in Illustrator), I drew these sweater/cardigan/pullover and pinned them on my board. My white leatherette board had been empty for months, except for a "Yo no canto tonteras" decal. It means something like -I don't sing silly things- and it has been like my motto since I read this phrase from Violeta Parra's last interview.

About how a tea set inspired this

2008-04-20T17:44:00.000-04:00

There's a new felt project in progress.

I had been thinking for days of a new design for felting but I wasn't completely satisfied with what I had until I realised I was trying to approach something similar to a tea set I had as a child. I was relieved to finally visualise what I had been after and started sketching what I thought were the original motifs of the tea set, just as I remembered them. Of course I couldn't resist and had to dive into old dusty boxes until I found it. It was so nice to see again those little pieces. My drawings weren't exactly as the original design but I felt they had something in common.

In a couple of days I'll post a full view of this new motif. It's made in winter white wool felt on a cinnamon pink base (see colour sample in uppermost image).

Tartan maker

2008-04-16T16:41:00.000-04:00

I found the most incredible and amusing textile tool with no weaving required: the Tartan Maker. Actually it's intended for generating tartan patterns for web backgrounds but it's so fun that I couldn't resist playing around for a good while, changing colours, orientation, and even yarn size. Also Tartan Maker has a sister site for creating striped patterns: Stripe Generator. It's equally fun!