One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.

Lewis Carroll

Welcome to Nelly and Isobel, where I share my creativity and Surface Pattern Designs.

My name is Christine, and my journey into the world of patterns and colours began in my childhood, surrounded by sheets of coveted graph paper and my treasured Derwent pencils. Those early days of creativity laid the foundation for what has now become a passion brought to life through technology, transforming my hand-drawn botanical motifs, geometric shapes, and whimsical interpretations of everyday objects into vibrant vector repeating patterns.

Every sketch I create is infused with sentimentality and a wandering imagination. I draw inspiration from the treasures of the ordinary - my grandmother’s hand-written recipes, a chipped mixing bowl passed down from my children’s great-great-grandmother, and a silver mixing spoon, lopsided from years of use. These everyday moments of uncomplicated happiness inspire and motivate me to keep creating, with the hope that my patterns invoke a smile or scratch a distant memory for you.

I believe in the beauty held within rooms - hand-sewn quilts, the aroma of old-fashioned baking, and the joy of setting a table with pretty fabrics and fine china. Each pattern I design is a tribute to the comforts of home, the tales told by grandmothers, and the joy of passing heirlooms to the next generation. It’s about finding pleasure in the simple things, like fresh flowers, inky lines, and the ever-changing seasons of my hometown, Melbourne.

At Nelly and Isobel, my purpose is simple - to bring a touch of sunshine and a smile to your day through my designs. Whether you’re a sewist who loves yesteryear sensibilities or a home decorator seeking unique and sentimental patterns, I hope my work resonates with you and brings a sense of warmth and joy to your life.

Thank you for joining me on this creative journey.

Notable Mentions

Colorful patterned tote bag with a Nelly and Isobel blue and green design featured on it.

After taking part in Make it in Design’s 2023 Summer School, I was beyond thrilled to once again have a Nelly and Isobel design chosen as a Top Pick by trend consultancy Porter and Brawn.

Commenting on their selections, Porter and Brawn said “…we have highlighted designs which not only grabbed our attention but also demonstrated commercial viability and perfectly answered the brief.”

This design is now available to license or buy. It is part of the Pocketful of Posies collection. Contact me to see more!

Mountain Avens by Nelly and Isobel was selected by UK trend forecasting agency Porter & Brawn, as one of their Top Picks for the Make it in Design 2023 Winter School. One of their selection criteria was designs that demonstrated commercial viability.

Who are Nelly and Isobel?

Margaret Ellen Fletcher (Nelly) and Eileen Isobel Harper (Isobel). Two strong women from vastly different backgrounds - one a proud ‘Lancashire Lass', the other raised near the Murrumbidgee River in the Aussie bush. Both resourceful, pragmatic and creative.

My grandmothers.