SOCK IT TO ME - sock design contest

Don't forget today is the last day to enter your patterns into the Sock it to Me Annual Sock Design Contest. The deadline for entries is midnight tonight Pacific Time. All the details can be found online here.

SOCK DESIGN - happy socks

Whilst doing my sock research for a P&P showcase I came across Swedish brand 'Happy Socks'. The company was founded in Stockholm in 2008 by graphic designer Viktor Tell and advertising expert Mikael Soderlindh. Now a global brand they manufacture and retail socks and underwear in over 70 countries. The sock designs are colourful and fun but what really catches my eye is the fabulous packaging used on box sets and the empty gift boxes sold separately for presents. UK shoppers can find a Happy Socks store in Neal Street, London and browse online here.

DESIGN STUDENTS - abspd showcase

Our Friday eye candy this week comes from the students at the Art & Business of Surface Pattern Design e-course. These designs were created for Module 3 in April 2016.The latest Module 3: Monetising your designs class commenced on September 26 2016. 'The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design' is an online e-course run by surface pattern designer Rachael Taylor attracts a global audience with students taking part from all over the world. We start with a fun kitten and wool design (above) by Anne-Chris Hedlund and colourful Toucans below by Kat Uno.

Above : May Leong. Below : Louisa Boyles.

Above : Louise Hargreaves. Below : Holly Thomas Stein.

Above : Meredith Gain. Below : Rita Martinez Ilarduya.

Above : Caroline Moraes. Below : Erica Ilene.

Above : Rebecca Ashley. Below : Ruth Husain.

Above : Inga Van Bruggen. Below : Ella Elron-Breitman.

Above : Fiona Meakin. Below : Shannon McNabb.

Below : Shiori Naruse.

ORLA KIELY - halfords collection

Orla Kiely has done it again and created another wonderful licensing deal for her prints. This is time it is with UK retailer Halfords to produce a series of bicycles, bike accessories, and camping gear. Orla's designs now appear on everything from saddle covers, to tents and, enamel mugs. Branded under the Orla Kiely diffusion label 'Olive and Orange' (named after her labradoodle dog) there are three patterns that make up the range : Olive, Orange and Leaf. Orla developed the prints especially for the new collection as a natural fit for cycling and outdoors. They are organic and inspired by nature, but with the sixties-style heritage that Orla is known for. Whether cycling round town on one of the Dutch style print bikes, or taking one of the eye catching tents to a festival they are certainly very striking. Scroll down to see more and all lines are available online here at Halfords.