inspiration | genevieve - print and pattern

shibuya neon in tokyo

Hello, I’m back!

Japan was ace. I loved pretty much everything about it, and was sad to leave, knowing that it may be a very long time (and that’s if I’m lucky) until I go back. It’s hard to summarise how I found it but – surprising, beautiful, exhausting and extremely good fun – would be a good start. Exhausting is my own fault, considering how much we packed in.

Unsurprisingly, the next few posts will be Japan-themed. Note: cute stationery may feature. I was certainly not disappointed with the stationery pickings, despite high expectations.

First of all, some pics. I was truly spoiled when it came to pattern inspiration.

vending machine in tokyo narita train station

fortune drawers at senso-ji

lanterns at senso-ji temple

‘noren’ curtains in tsumago

hanazono-jinja shrine

giant print in a hotel lobby in bangkok

I have to say, I never thought I’d use a pun to kick off my first ever blog, but there it is. Much of my inspiration for designs comes from what I snap as I go about, whether it’s East London graffiti or vintage typography, modern architecture or nature itself. Nothing escapes my click – roller-coasters, fishing tackle, street signs, musical instruments, train stations, ceilings…

I’ll be posting on here about all things print and pattern: sewing projects made on my trusty Viking, fabrics I spot, screen printing designs, photos for inspiration and my knitting exploits.

Here are a few recent shots I took in London (I’m obsessed with those pots in the Albion, still trying to invent a reason to buy one, including learning to conquer a lifetime dislike of coffee):