Inspiration can be found anywhere at any time. I often stumble upon something that sets my imagination whirling into fashion mode, even though I’m not a designer.
Recently I was visiting Filoli Historic House and Garden in Woodside. While roaming the gardens I was taken with these bright and happy flowers. I commented to my partner that I could see these flowers on fabric. Then I started thinking – If I were a designer I would paint these flowers onto a medium weight cotton fabric in a repeated small print, perfect for a summer shirtwaist dress. An alternative would be to paint large, also on cotton fabric and make a caftan with a matching turban. Painted on silk, what fabulous lining for a lightweight coat. How about a silk quilted coat? Then I thought that if I were a fashion designer I would create a spring/summer line all based on the Filoli garden flowers.
I play this game – If I Were a Fashion Designer – whenever something sparks my fashionable imagination.
OverDressed for Life 
Hi Moya, there is a company called “Spoonflower” that uses your photos and or drawings, and puts it onto fabric! Check it out. I have had them make me mostly stretch jersey, and made a few t shirts and skirts with photos I have take. One was a closeup of petrified wood, which worked well because the pattern repeated with minimal obvious edges. They can put it on silk, cotton, anything! Kinda pricy but really fun. When I get home from Santa Cruz, where I am at the moment, I will send you a couple of pictures of my creations. Hope you are doing well. I encourage your desire to make fabric in that very Happy flower print.
Hi Kit. It’s nice to hear from you. Thank you for the tip! Hope you’re having fun in your new chapter of life.
Thanks for tweaking my imagination!
Considering my new/ old world lives and designing….again!
Merci!
Jacquelyn Goudeau