Saturday, January 10, 2009

Pet Deer sneak peek!

Back again with another sneak peek from the upcoming January Release. But first bear with me for a little background: One of the things we do at Michael Miller is build on a color story from one release to another. I do this for a couple reasons;

1. Color trends don't just pop onto the scene out of nowhere. They evolve over time. It takes awhile for our eyes to adjust, accept and like a new color or combination of colors. I usually experiment with a new (edgy) color in a small way in one release and then expand on it in future releases. Such was the case with the color I call Orchid (pink with a violet cast to it).

Here it is in the the top color in "Feeling Groovy" first released in Summer 07'
This was the beginning of color stories to come Orchid and Spa.

2. If I build on a color story with multiple releases it gives the retailer a chance to build on groups as they sell through and always have something "new" and "fresh". ( same logic used in "wardrobe building" when a designer uses colors that work together in progressive collections. I really appreciate it when the blouse I buy today goes with the skirt I bought in the previous collection!)

So here it is the latest installment of Orchid and Spa (the sweet print in the middle is "Pet Deer")

19 comments:

Beth said...

I love the new colorways -- and learning about your process! I would love to read more posts on fabric design and production...

Erin said...

Michael Miller how could you do this to me?

HOW could you make orchid, what I once labled as the most horrible color ever, look so delightful. How could you pair it with what you call "spa" but we all know is one of my MOST favorite colors, light turquoise. ORCHID and TURQUOISE? What goes on in your mind? HOW is that ok. But it IS ok, I can see the fabric evidence. I know my number is up.

*sigh*

If you felt it necessary to send this collection to my home, for study, I'd not complain. I'm sure that orchid/spa has the audacity to make the most lovely sewn projects. *wink*

Tina @ Squirrel Acorns said...

That's really interesting about the color stories, and makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing these insights into the fabric that I seem to be developing an obsession over. :-)

I am loving seeing these sneak previews. Thanks!

Melanie O said...

Wow is that cute! Love the explanation on color story, too. I really love it when fabric designers explain some of the method that goes into the process! Thank you!

Vickie E said...

THAT is pretty fabric!

Sherri said...

I'd never thought of designers expanding their lines in such a way...makes perfect sense, though! And I think I need to know when and where I can get the "Spa" line...I'm already imagining a couple of projects!

Lisa Chin said...

I love knowing the story behind colors and designs on my fabrics! Is there a slide show or something of how designs go from thought to fabric? I think my quilt guild would love to hear about this kind of stuff.
Thanks for sharing! The fabric is very nice!

deirdre said...

Wow, I really need a ton of that Pet Deer fabric! That's just so cute, I can't handle it. Love the colors too - orchid and spa just sound so nice!

Unknown said...

I am so in love with this fabric! I have to have it!

jcaroline said...

I've always loved how your colorways run from collection to collection. It makes it easier for the retailer and the consumer.

And for those of you drowling over the Pet Deer, Bot Camp and Snow Monkey, we'll be getting it in soon at jcaroline creative!

http://www.jcarolinecreative.com
or
http://tinyurl.com/9efcjb
(takes you directly to our Michael Miller category)

sewkalico said...

Thanks for the background info - it makes for interesting reading and good to know when fabric shopping too!

Courtney said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!!

Can't wait to see it in person!

Bonus Mom said...

The deer are Adorable!

annette said...

LOVING this fabric - colours and prints... OMG the combinations are endless. I cannot wait to get my hands on some.

Lisa D. said...

The Pet Deer and coordinates are just the cutest fabrics ever! Can't wait to get my hands on some!

*emilie* said...

how interesting ! these colors are so pretty, i just love the Pet Deer !!

Unknown said...

Have loved this Feeling Groovy and now these additional prints are perfect! I do appreciate the color story you use as an introduction.

Sheree said...

Oh, this is a good one!

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