Introducing carkai…
Bones are beautiful. At least I think so anyway, and that’s where this story started.
When I submitted the line, I simply titled the submission “collection #4” because, well, this is my 4th collection (which is totally nuts!), and I kind of wanted the artwork to speak for itself. While the shapes and lines emerged from a specific source of inspiration, to me they became something else while I was drawing them. I loved this and wanted that same opportunity to be open to the viewer as well.
When I was in Los Angeles back in January, it was a treat to be able to review this collection in person with everyone at Robert Kaufman. It was still “collection #4” at that time, and my favorite part was hearing everyone’s reactions and interpretations of the drawings. (On a side note, this really isn’t very different than birthing fabric, patterns and books, because whoever picks any of them up makes use of them in their own way–which is a wonderful and exciting thing to see and be a part of.)
But collections need names, and in actuality this one has had one for the few years that it’s been in my mind. Carkai is a totally made up word–it’s a bit playful–it speaks to my (sometimes) dumb sense of humor–and it just seemed to fit. My hope is that when you look and (hopefully) enjoy the line, you’ll be able to draw your own connections to it. While these drawings started in one place for me, I hope they can connect to you and become your own in how you use them.
On a more technical side, there’s a lot at play in this line which has made it such a joy to work with over the last few weeks while I’ve been sewing away. There’s a big (sorry for the pun!) play on scale–something that I felt was right with this collection, and something that you’ll be seeing and hearing more about as I start to share new projects.
There’s also an enticing play on color–which honestly, how could there ever not be a play on color, right? I love color–I know that you love color, and I can’t imagine not using color to uniquely convey the story of a collection. I’ll be sharing more specifically about the colors of the range as well when the projects start rolling around, but for now, I think I can say that there’s some pretty-ness here, there are some favorites here, and there is plenty of life expressed through the palette.
It’s been super fun, and I can’t say how much I appreciate all of your support. I’m eager to share more with you in the coming weeks, and then to see what you do…
Let’s sew.
Janet @ Simply Pieced says
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to start creating!
Myra says
Looks like Carolyn Friedlander may just be the next Tula Pink. Lovely fabric.
Molly says
It’s gorgeous. The mix of colors is awesome and so different from the norm. Congrats!
Tiffany says
I say it every time, but I think this really is my favorite collection. Truly, truly stunning, and the story behind it is lovely. Also? Carkai is totally a word in my vocabulary too!
erin says
Oh, Carolyn, it is beautiful! I find myself being drawn in, especially to some of the prints in colors I don’t normally gravitate towards. I find that curious and interesting and can’t wait to have a chance to play with them!
clothalbatross says
I’m so in love with this collection! I can’t wait to get my hands on it and make something <3
Sheila says
What a gorgeous collection. I love the way you mix colour and texture in your prints to create something truly unique. I can’t wait to get my hands on some!
Gina says
Stunning, as always! I love that all your lines build off each other and work together. The colors! Well done. You are a great talent!
shecanquilt says
I love it, your collections all speak to me and this one does too. I can’t wait to have some to sew with.
Daniela D says
What an amazing and beautifully designed collection. The color palette is curated perfectly as well. Gorgeous, just gorgeous!
Emily says
I adore all of your collections and it is like Christmas to have a new one! So very gorgeous!!! I just cannot wait! When will it start hitting stores?
meagangracie says
I gasped when I saw it – so beautiful, and the color combinations are especially beautiful on the 2-color prints.
j.g. says
It’s better than I could have imagined. Truly stunning work here. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Karen @runsewfun says
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing the story. I love new words! Oh, and look…purple!
betyipiernaty says
All I can say is that I can’t wait to have it…Colors are fantastic! Love it!
brigitdermott says
So beautiful! It’s nice to see your signature colors and some new ones. Can’t wait to see it in person!
Linda Doyle says
When will it be available? Cant wait.
Mandy says
So many interesting, beautiful prints, and those colours!!! More useful things for all of us to enjoy. Thank you and congratulations Carolyn
Rossie says
So beautiful. I’m going to need a bolt of that purple with red print.
Cheryl Arkison says
I think that is my favourite too. Although, the cobalt blue…
Rene' Creates says
Congratulations Carolyn on your fourth line! The prints and colors have so much depth. Can’t wait to see and hear more about the fabric.
Debbie says
2 things:
It’s beautiful – similar but different from what we know, in all the best ways.
The end of December feels VERY far away.
Colin Wright says
Hi, How many pieces in total is the range?
Looks great.
jcrafter says
Love the new line. I can’t wait to see it in person!
tracy b says
It looks lovely- I can’t wait to “meet” Carkai in person! Congrats!
Juliet @ The Tartankiwi says
I became so so excited when I saw this line. In career number one I was an archaeologist specialised in prehistory and bone remains and I see so much archaeological inspiration in these prints. I can’t wait to see the full extent of the large scale prints and to be able to pull together the different facets of my life in fabric form. Thank you for always producing such inspiring fabrics!
Michelle@factotum-of-arts says
Love this so much. Have so many ideas and can’t wait to get my hands on it!!! Congrats on the new line
Tammy says
Oh, I cannot wait!!!!
Ida Lawson says
I want….no, I NEED this collection! I can hardly wait for it to hit the stores!!!
Silvia Sutters says
I can’t wait to get this line. Love, love, love!
Kari Vojtechovsky says
It’s gorgeous! I love the idea it references bones. Of course, your colors are so perfect and wonderful to work with. Since you are comfortable with bones, have you ever been to Kutna Hora in Czech Republic or seen photos of the kostnice there? I’ve been there and it is so unimaginable to me that someone created all that with bones. It’s beautiful and morbid and shocking all at the same time.
Leah says
awesome colors!!! they work so well together!
Catherine Betts says
It would be lovely if you could bring back the carkai line. Miss it
carolyn friedlander says
I’m glad you like it, Catherine! 🙂
Susan Jeffries says
Do you know where I can purchase. I’ve somehow lost a 1/4 section of a longstar quilt I’m making with this.
carolyn friedlander says
Hi Susan! I’m sorry to hear that. Carkai is out of print, and so my best suggestion would be to do a google/etsy/ebay search for it. Otherwise you can substitute fabrics from my other collections since they are designed to all work together. Good luck!