After two years of apprenticeship as a textile printer, Malin Kellhorn at Frösö Handtryck has now come out with her first pattern design.
The pattern Fjällflora, inspired by the nature and mountains of Jämtland, is also the first pattern released in modern times by a master printer at Frösö Handtryck.
- I'm often out hiking, camping and fishing, so I'm very inspired by the mountains," says Malin Kellhorn.
After two years as an apprentice at Frösö Handtryck, Malin Kellhorn has now passed her exam and released her first pattern.
Her degree project, the pattern Fjällflora, has also begun to be produced and is now sold as fabric and as pillows by Frösö Handtryck.
- "As a craftsman, it's great fun to have your work produced and sold. It's not something that can be taken for granted," says Malin Kellhorn.
After many years in marketing and graphic design, she applied ten years ago for a degree in crafts and design at Linköping University.
It was also during the training that she was first noticed at Frösö Handtryck in Jämtland.
- "I've always been interested in color and shape and thought somewhere deep inside that I wanted to work with it, and I remember already being very curious about this company," she says.
After graduation, however, reality set in and she soon returned to her previous jobs in front of computer screens.
It was only three years ago, after a vacation trip to Jämtland, that she finally decided to change the direction of her life.
- I had been mountain hiking here, and when I went back to Stockholm, I had already re-evaluated most things in my life. I had previously only been to Sälen and never really experienced the mountain world, so it was a transformative experience, an awakening," says Malin Kellhorn.
She now lives in Åre, where she spends a lot of time in the mountains of Västjämtland.
- There were really three things that drew me here to Jämtland. Work and love, for the man I now live with and for the nature here," says Malin Kellhorn.
She decided too early that the pattern would include vegetation from the mountains, so she has been able to devote two more years to the work.
- I have taken a closer look at the flowers in the mountains, photographed them and looked at books. It is an interest that has grown and has really added something to my outdoor life.
What would you most like to do in the future?
- Although I work as a textile printer, I also love pattern design, so I will probably do both. It's exciting to be able to be involved all the way, from idea, printing and to a finished product to sell.
How are you thinking about the next pattern you will make?
- I'm inspired by so much around me, but the organic and natural form is closer to hand rather than the purely graphic right now, says Malin Kellhorn.
Text: Håkan Luthman, Länstidningen
Discover the Fjällflora collection here!
