Welcome! My name is Michelle Fifis and I keep this little blog skipping along on a daily basis. It started out as a way for me to stay on top of all the latest textile design trends and has turned into so much more! My goal is to support, inspire and promote those in the textile design world.
Be sure to check out my classes, sign up for my weekly newsletter, and visit me on facebook. Hang out, get to know the regulars, and enjoy!
One-on-one coaching:
I work with designers who struggle to create sellable print collections and who would like to ramp up their business or land that full-time job.
Because I specialize in the textile design marketplace, my clients receive results driven, step-by-step information on exactly what they need to do to create more sellable print collections. As a result, those who work with me get more clients, sell more prints and grow their businesses faster than they would on their own.
I offer three coaching programs, as well as portfolio reviews, for designers that are serious about making changes and share my passion for the world of print and pattern. I am now accepting clients for 2012.
Please contact me to reserve your space. I look forward to working with you!
A little bit about me!
Michelle grew up in lovely South Carolina where she fell in love with art and fashion. She received a BFA in Fashion Design from Stephens College and discovered the art of textile designing while completing her internship in London with esteemed designer Zandra Rhodes.
In 2004 Michelle moved to Portland, Oregon and started her career as a textile designer. Since that time she has worked as a designer and adviser for Lucy Activewear, Turbine Boardwear, Perry Ellis Int., Jantzen Swimwear, Nike, Columbia Sportswear, P&B Textiles and Floppy Products Inc.
Michelle is married to Portland musician, Ken Chapple. They have two adorable dogs, Higgins and Samson, and a kitten named Cleo.
If you are an artist or designer I would love to feature your work! Feel free to say hello here.
The Team:
Victoria Snape is a UK based, freelance surface pattern and textile designer, with a BA honors in Contemporary textiles and surface design. She loves vintage treasures, indie craft and experiencing different countries and cultures. Victoria is a regular contributor to Pattern Observer through the weekly street pattern post. With her passion for pattern, texture and colour, she hopes to inspire you with trends and colour palettes from the print and pattern street.








18 Comments
September 22, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Thank you for creating such a beautiful and inspirational blog! I’ve already begun referencing your color and texture plays into my commercial designs. I appreciate your clean and uncluttered approach in showcasing some of the most exciting print, pattern & color trends of the season. Keep ‘em coming!
January 25, 2011 at 8:15 pm
I LOVE your collections of prints, patterns, inspirations and colors! Beautiful stuff! I will definitely be coming back often to see what’s next. Thank you for the inspiration!
January 25, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Thanks Shan!
January 25, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Congrats on your new adventure!
March 7, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Loved it!!!!! Great to see you are enjoying your work!!
May 11, 2011 at 5:08 pm
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR SITE. Amazing, inspiring, resourceful…but most of all INSPIRING!
May 11, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Thank you so much! I love every minute of it!
May 26, 2011 at 6:18 am
Hello Michelle
Your beautiful blog is both useful and inspiring!
Thanks!
Yuval
Can I link your blog to mine?
yuvaletzioni.blogspot.com
May 26, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Of course! Thanks for stopping by Yuval!
June 22, 2011 at 3:38 pm
Hi Michelle
my name is Ayelet from “all-overprint” studio
Im a printed textile designer(20 years) Im teaching textile design for home at Shenkar college and I’m selling my artworks for many companies
allover the world via Heimtextile.
thanks for visiting my blog and leaving supportive comment.
you can blog my prints (if you like) direct from flicker:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ayelet-i/sets/72157616205119750/
if you need more imeges
grate blog,Like!
Ayelet
July 11, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Hi Michelle,
Big fan of your blog! I wanted to send you a link to my website at http://www.RepeatChelsey.com, which is a collection + portfolio of print/pattern/drawing/painting. It would be awesome if you’d use one of my images in your posts!
Thanks + Have a wonderful day!
Chelsey Bills
http://www.RepeatChelsey.com
cbills@g.risd.edu
July 11, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Thanks! I’ll be sure to check out your site soon!!!
January 20, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Hello have a nice day, i love the pattern word
And i want to show my ilustrations works in my web site:
http://www.coralhernandezfinol.com
I hope you like
My best
Coral Hernandez
January 25, 2012 at 1:17 am
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January 25, 2012 at 3:57 am
[...] Surface Design Training + by Pattern Observer Posted on January 19, 2012 by Natasha in General Michelle Fifis who writes a daily, inspirational blog, Pattern Observer is offering a free online Surface Design [...]
April 26, 2012 at 4:03 am
[...] 5 weeks ago I started an online textile design class from Michelle Fifis of Pattern Observer. I’m loving every minute of it and have already learned so much! I can [...]
April 27, 2012 at 2:47 am
I participated in your webinar today – and I was so glad I did!
Your approach to creating an irresistible surface design collection made so much sense – and really helped me clarify where my creative process and business model could do with some fine tuning.
My Sincere Thanks,
Eleana
Melbourne, Australia
P.S. I just love patternobserver.com – well done!
May 2, 2012 at 12:50 am
[...] 5 weeks ago I started an online textile design class from Michelle Fifis of Pattern Observer. I’m loving every minute of it and have already learned so much! I can [...]