Meet ' Dear Spring' for Lewis and Irene

Sometimes a collection can be planned months in advance, other times I run with inspiration as soon as it hits me. This collection was a little different. While I was writing my poem for 'Joy's of Spring' last year, at the end of the poem I explored the concept that the joys of Spring could actually be something almost tangible: "Reaching out so very high, almost plucking the glow right from the sky. A favour to hold, a tangible thing, to have and keep the joys of Spring." The last line of my poem got me thinking, what if Spring was actually an entity or being with a personality rather than just a season. I loved the idea that Spring could be a character and like the season had been away for a while, but was about to return. I wanted to capture the excitement of Spring's arrival, and what better way to do it, than through a poem.

My poem to Spring soon became more like a love letter. I wanted to encapsulate that 'Spring' feeling and the restlessness that comes before the arrival of Spring.

Dear Spring,

Oh, how I’ve missed you. You’ve been away so long!

I cannot wait to see you and have you back where you belong.

The primroses in the prairie, they gossip, and they natter,

I heard a warm whisper on the breeze, amongst all their idle chatter.

Someone said you’re on your way, please tell me is it true?

We’re planning to have a welcome party, and there’s so much left to do!

Everyone’s excited, from the blossoms to the blooms.

The rabbits have started gathering decorations, the birds are practicing their tunes.

Blossom by blossom, the buds have been dancing, ditsy with delight.

A sweet symphony of colour, causing quite a sight.

We’re counting down the days now. Not long until you’re here!

I’ve really missed your playful ways, your laughter and your cheer.

Funny, I fancied that I just saw you, outside where the sun is shining bright.

I thought I glimpsed your floral cloak, or perhaps it was a trick of the light?

I really must go now; you’re causing quite a furore.

I wonder, who could that be, knocking at my door?

'Chasing Tails' is the hero print of my collection and she's available in 'White,' 'Dusky Mid Blue' and 'Dusky Dark Blue.' This is the only directional print in my collection and that was very intentional. I wanted the collection to feel like it had a lot of energy and movement, which I achieved in part by using tossed prints. This top note design needed to have more of a narrative to it and for me I chose to use a directional print as I felt I could tell more of the story of the poem in this way. The bunnies are gathering decorations for Spring's party and what better place to look for them than in a wildflower meadow.

'Spring Symphony' is my secondary print in the collection. This tossed print features spring florals and butterflies in soft pastels, 'Pale Turquoise,' 'Dusky Dark Purple' 'Dark Cream.' I wanted this design to feel like it was moving to a dance or symphony. The placement of the floral motifs and butterflies help the pattern to flow gracefully over the fabric. This pattern has a really lovely energy to it, it really does feel like Spring on a fabric.

The name 'Primrose Prairie' came from a line in my poem: "The primroses in the prairie, they gossip, and they natter, I heard a warm whisper on the breeze, amongst all their idle chatter." This alliteration instantly struck me and I knew that this was going to be the name of my design. I placed the different types of primroses close together in a tossed print, and while I wanted it to feel like they were naturally growing close together, I also wanted it to feel like they were clustering close together to gossip and natter. This design comes in 'White,' 'Dusky Mid Blue' and 'Dusky Dark Blue.' Which one will you choose?

Isn't this co-ordinate just the sweetest?! 'Blossom by Blossom' really has my heart. She comes in 'Pale Turquoise,' 'Light Yellow' and 'Pastel Pink,' but I love them all equally. When I design a pattern, I try to design from a perspective of 'is this fabric useful and could it be used in different projects,' and with this one I think I can whole heartedly say, yes! Yes, she can! The size of the motif isn't overpowering and the low volume almost tone on tone could slot easily into so many projects. From smocked dresses to bag linings, there is a whole world of projects I'd like to see this made into.

'Ditsy Dance' was designed to feel like a floral dance. Similarly to 'Spring Symphony,' I wanted this design to have a sense of movement. By reducing the amount of different flowers in the design, and adding a simple polka dot, this little ditsy blender would look really pretty as a binding or border print in a quilt. 'Ditsy Dance' comes in 'Dark Cream,' 'Purple' and 'Dusky Mid Blue.'

Finally, I wanted to show you a peek at this double edged border print. I've never designed a panel or border print before and really enjoyed this one. A continuation of 'Chasing Tails, the detail on this is so pretty. I felt that this addition to the narrative of the collection really tied the collection together. The bunnies frolicking and getting ready for Spring's surprise party in the meadow have created a stunning focal point and I really am excited to see what you all make with this one.

I hope you've enjoyed reading about the concept and inspiration behind this collection. You can find ‘Dear Spring’ in all good fabric shops from January 2026. For a sneak preview of the full collection just click HERE.