How May Gibbs’ Classic Illustrations Were Transformed into Beautiful Textiles
May Gibbs' beloved Australian bush characters have been cherished for over a century, delighting generations with their whimsical adventures. Her intricate illustrations have been licensed for a variety of products over the years, including beautiful fabric collections that allow crafters and quilters to bring her art to life in new ways. With the latest May Gibbs Fabric Collection by Devonstone Collection, makers now have another opportunity to work with her timeless designs.
A History of May Gibbs Fabric Licensing
May Gibbs' legacy extends far beyond her famous children's books. Following her passing in 1969, her estate was entrusted to The Northcott Society and Cerebral Palsy Alliance, ensuring that proceeds from her work support children with disabilities. Over the years, her illustrations have been licensed for various fabric collections, allowing her iconic characters to be celebrated in quilts, garments, and home décor.
Some notable past partnerships include:
- Nerida Hansen Fabrics 2017: Nerida Hansen Fabrics collaborated with the May Gibbs estate to bring her iconic illustrations to fabric. The business adapted May Gibbs' original artwork into a digitally printed collection, making it available to quilters, sewists, and crafters. This release introduced a fresh, modern take on her beloved designs while maintaining the integrity of her work.
- Spotlight 2021: Spotlight partnered with Merchantwise Licensing to introduce a licensed range of May Gibbs fabrics, homewares, and bedding. The collection featured a variety of prints adapted from May Gibbs’ original illustrations. Fabric designs were created by Nerida Hansen Fabrics, bringing a fresh take on her classic artwork.
- Devonstone Collection 2025: The latest partnership brings high-quality quilting cotton and wideback fabrics featuring May Gibbs' artwork to sewists and quilters. As a premium fabric brand, Devonstone Collection focuses on maintaining the richness of her artwork while offering high-quality materials tailored to makers.
The May Gibbs x Devonstone Collection Collaboration
This newest collection, designed in partnership with Devonstone Collection, features some of May Gibbs' most well-known illustrations, including Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and other classic Australian bush creatures. The collection includes quilting-weight cotton and extra-wide backing fabrics, making it a versatile choice for a range of creative projects.
How to Use May Gibbs Fabrics in Your Projects
If you're looking for inspiration, here are some ideas for incorporating these fabrics into your next creative project:
- Quilts and Patchwork: Use the intricate prints to create nostalgic quilt blocks and full-sized quilts.
- Children's Clothing and Accessories: Sew adorable outfits or soft fabric books featuring her illustrations.
- Home Décor: Design cushions, curtains, and table runners that bring the charm of the Australian bush into your space.
- Keepsake Projects: Make a special baby quilt or wall hanging that captures the magic of May Gibbs' storytelling.
FAQ About May Gibbs Fabrics
- What is the May Gibbs Fabric Collection?
The May Gibbs Fabric Collection by Devonstone features officially licensed quilting cotton with beautiful Australian bush-inspired designs, including Snugglepot and Cuddlepie prints. - Where can I buy May Gibbs fabric?
You can shop the exclusive May Gibbs fabric collection at Koala Fabrics, with a range of prints available for quilting, sewing, and crafting. - What type of fabric is May Gibbs fabric?
This collection includes 100 percent premium quilting cotton, designed for a variety of sewing projects, from quilts and home décor to children's clothing and accessories.
Where to Buy
The May Gibbs Fabric Collection by Devonstone is available now at Koala Fabrics. Whether you're a quilter, sewist, or collector, this collection is a must-have for anyone who loves Australian design and heritage.
