Color Me Retro Strikeoffs + Story

Color Me Retro by Jeni Baker, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

EEEEEEKKKK!! I am freaking out right now guys! Because strikeoffs of my first fabric collection, Color Me Retro for Art Gallery Fabrics, are on their way to me! I cannot wait! I am going to need to camp out by the mailbox!

Color Me Retro by Jeni Baker, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I couldn't wait to share photos of the collection!

Color Me Retro by Jeni Baker, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

AHHH! That's my name up there ^^!

Sewing Room - Rainbow of Enamelware, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I wanted to take the time to talk a bit about my inspiration for this collection!  When I was first starting to think about the direction for my first collection, I literally went on an inspiration scavenger hunt around our apartment and around town.  I spend a lot of my time thrifting.  Simply because I love the thrill of the hunt, and I also thrift for my vintage sheet business.  I first started thrifting when I was trying to furnish my first apartment.  I got hooked almost immediately! Shortly after I started thrifting, I found my first piece of vintage Pyrex.  A few years later, I found my first Dansk Kobenstyle enamelware pot.  Now, thrifting and collecting is still a big part of my life.  I never go more than a week without going out to at least a few stores, poking around for my next big find!

Arabia Finel, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

So, it hit me pretty quickly that my biggest inspiration is my mid-century modern collections.  Pyrex casseroles and bowls from the 60s and Scandinavian enamelware from the 50s.  I visited my local library and scoured through every book I could find on Scandinavian and mid-century modern style.  I combed the local antique malls hunting for inspiration (and goodies of course!).  Thankfully, I have substantial collections, so there was really no lack of inspiration!

I'm not sure I could tell you why I'm so attracted to mid-century modern design.  I just love the clean, bold designs, bright pops of color and smooth shapes.  I think the seed started way back in 2006 when my favorite band, Keane, came out with their second album, Under the Iron Sea.  The artwork was done by an up and coming Finnish artist, Sanna Annukka and I fell in love.  I still have a giant poster hanging in our bedroom with the artwork, so I can see it everyday.  So, that's how I discovered Scandinavian and mid-century modern design!

Color Me Retro by Jeni Baker, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I used a lot of my favorite things about mid-century modern design and translated it into my fabric collection.  The prints are graphic, a lot of clean lines and shapes.  The colors are totally classic retro colors.  Was very inspired by my enamelware when it came down to colors.

Swiss Chalet Butter Dish, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Cups, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Friendship, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Wow, I got really chatty! How about more fabric pictures?!

Color Me Retro by Jeni Baker, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Color Me Retro by Jeni Baker, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Color Me Retro by Jeni Baker, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I cannot wait to start sewing with them and sharing all the possibilities with you!  I'll be sharing Color Me Retro at Fall Quilt Market next month! Also, if you're coming to Sewing Summit, I'll bring some there for you to see! It will be hitting stores in February! :)

Okay, off to plan some projects! See you soon!