I got a lovely comment on one of my social media posts that made me take a step back & smile. Someone was amazed and said, "I can't believe you design your own fabric! So talented!" My honest reaction was a big, excited "I can't either!" along with a huge thank you, of course!
This really got me thinking about why I got so into pattern design in the first place. While I was sewing a ton of bonnets yesterday, it hit me how my journey began. Since Sweet As April launched in 2016, those who have been around know we played a big part in making vintage textiles and embroideries super popular on eBay and other sites. It became a really competitive market, with everyone trying to grab those coveted prints. It was kind of wild!
My love for vintage patterns and the ability to upcycle unique textiles (shoutout to Joan Kessler! She was the queen of 90s florals for me!) helped shine a light on many forgotten or elusive fabrics, some only found in Europe (Vera!). I can’t claim I single-handedly changed the game, but our heirloom bonnets definitely sparked interest and inspired others to hunt for those same gorgeous textiles.
But you know how it goes—times change, and honestly, I’m all for it! There’s only so much life you can breathe into vintage prints before they start feeling repetitive, and people start craving something fresh. We’ve seen that shift first-hand; I have two bonnets listed on our website right now featuring prints that, in the past, the yardage would sell for hundreds! Back then, people would rush to our site for anything made with those highly sought-after prints, but now, in 2025, it rarely happens.
So, why did I dive into surface pattern design? Well, crazy me dreams of following in the footsteps of amazing talents like Joan Kessler! As an art history major, I spent tons of time soaking up the masterpieces of artists and exploring furniture design. Those stunning designs inspired me, and now I want to carry that torch for the next generation. Kind of a big dream - but hey! Why not?
Since I started Sweet As April, I’ve found our stride by upcycling textiles and using beautiful vintage prints in our creations—and we still do! But I have learned that I’ve got a knack for picking textiles that people truly love, and now I’m excited to take it further by CREATING the patterns on textiles that people truly love.
Looking back on 2024, I initially worried that the market shift would throw us for a loop. How could we keep our business going if people weren’t connecting with our materials anymore? But guess what? That shift turned out to be a fantastic blessing in disguise! It pushed me to learn and grow, leading to the launch of my very own fabric line. What a journey!
It’s so true—when one door closes, another opens. Here’s to designing prints that I hope will be in high demand in the future! Let’s embrace creativity and all the amazing possibilities that lie ahead!
