Hello lovelies! Today I'm very excited to feature the incredibly talented artist, designer, and writer Nancy of Wolf and Willow. Wolf and Willow is a great handmade children's line based out of Australia and made with vintage patterns and fabrics.
Hello lovelies! Today I'm very excited to feature the incredibly talented artist, designer, and writer Nancy of Wolf and Willow. Wolf and Willow is a great handmade children's line based out of Australia and made with vintage patterns and fabrics.
I recently found Nancy's blog and immediately fell in love with her fun, feminine style and aesthetic. She has been able to translate that into a “mini retro” children's line with cozy 100 percent cotton clothing and softies that you'll want to keep forever! Nancy sat down with me and answered some questions that I was dying to ask.
What is your design background?
My background is in graphic design for fashion magazines and books, as well as pattern design for boutique wedding stationery. I took up sewing and fashion design in 2008 and have been loving it ever since!
What is your signature design style? Is there a design element you are known for?
My signature style is “mini retro.” All of my clothes and toys are based on vintage patterns from the 50s, 60s and 70s. I like to recreate miniature versions of famous outfits worn by Audrey Hepburn or Twiggy or even Elvis in his Hawaii movies! I spend a lot of time searching for vintage reproduction fabrics and retro-inspired prints from contemporary fabric designers.
What are some of your favorite textures and fabrics for children?
You can't go past pure cotton for children's wear. It's soft and strong and holds its shape and color really well. And as it's an all-natural fiber, it never itches! I also like using pure merino wool for toys, like the pony tails on my Petal Ponies.
Describe the perfect nursery.
The perfect nursery is warm, peaceful and filled with love! Of course, my perfect nursery would probably have lots of soft baby animal toys in it too!
Do you have a favorite memory from your childhood?
My favorite memory is of baking cakes with Mum and playing under the sprinkler in summer.
You are very creative. Did your parents instill that in you, or did you develop it on your own?
Mum says I learned to paint before I learned to walk, and learned to tell stories before I could hold a pen! It's something my parents encouraged in me, probably because it kept me out of their hair, but also because it made me so happy.
Do you have any tips on nurturing creativity in our children?
Encourage them to use their imaginations in everything they do! I read once that all children are born creative, but we “unlearn” it over time. So I guess the longer they can go without learning words like “can't” and “never” and “impossible,” the better!
How did Wolf and Willow come to life?
Wolf and Willow came to life after I discovered the joy in making clothes for my 2-year-old niece Eden. The smile on her face when she put on her first ever Wolf and Willow dress … well, I think about that every time I draw a new pattern.
Thank you, Nancy!
I loved her answer about our children unlearning how to be creative over time. I believe that's true! You can purchase Nancy's handmade children's clothing and toys online internationally at Wolf and Willow and within Australia and New Zealand at Robin Street Market. You'll also find her writing for the adorable new online children's magazine MAEVE as well as making guest appearances on several fab design blogs.
