Iron A’ Design Award for the Naptime Blanket
I just received wonderful news: My design, the Naptime Blanket (in Finnish Päikkärit viltti) won the Iron A’ Design Award! A' Design Award & Competition is an annual international competition that recognizes high-level design across various fields.
This charming design project began in December 2020 with the first sketches of the napping forest animals, culminating one year later with the unveiling of the final product featured in the 2022 Finnish KELA maternity box. The Naptime Blanket is produced by Barker Textiles in Lithuania, is a jacquard woven piece made of cotton.
When Patternsfrom Agency provided the production specs for the blanket, I got an instant spark of inspiration. Knowing the size and production technique, I began sketching the elements. My vision was clear: a pattern featuring beloved animals from the Finnish forest, cozily napping together. The first sketches included the sleeping bear, fox, and squirrel, followed by the adorable addition of a bunny.
The design challenge was to create a jacquard woven pattern suitable for a unisex baby blanket, taking into consideration the technical details such as line thickness and reversibility. I also wanted to ensure that, unlike garments that babies quickly outgrow, this blanket’s timeless theme, style, and colors were chosen to endure the test of time, offering lasting comfort and charm for years to come.
The item is a blanket, but besides being perfect for a good nap or cuddle, it can also serve as a play mat, a bed decoration, or even be transformed into a wall hanging. The Naptime Blanket can be a part of children’s core childhood memories of everyday life, from peekaboo games to building blanket forts!
In addition to the product’s visual appeal, the high quality of Barker Textiles’ production plays a crucial role; the blanket is both safe and durable.
The Naptime Blanket (in Finnish “Päikkärit viltti”) is part of the Finnish Architecture & Design museum’s collection.
The history of KELA’s maternity package dates back to 1938, when the first newborns and their mothers received assistance. Internationally, it has gathered attention for including a mattress and being designed in such a way that it can serve as the baby’s first bed if needed. The contents of the package are updated every year through an open tender.
Barker Textiles is a European textile company specializing in high-quality home textiles made from wool and cotton. With decades of experience in the industry, the company’s roots lie in strong craftsmanship traditions. Based in Kaunas, Lithuania, the company is committed to sustainable production and bringing woven design ideas to life.
Patternsfrom Agency is a Finnish design agency founded in 2019, representing and distributing unique patterns from domestic textile designers to international clients. The company was founded by Jenni Moberg and Kristiina Tergujeff, who wanted to create a platform for Finnish design and bring it to global markets.
The headquarters of Patternsfrom Agency is located in Kemiönsaari, but its clientele spans across four continents, particularly in Asia, Europe, and North America. The company offers ready-made patterns, collection coordination, and customized design services to its clients.
A' Design Award & Competition is an annual international competition that recognizes high-level design across various fields. The competition is open to all designers, artists, and professionals in the creative industries, with the aim of promoting and celebrating excellence and innovation in design. It covers a wide range of categories, including graphic design, industrial design, architecture, and textiles, among others.
Photos: Ammi Lahtinen, Maria Hovilainen