After Nipper – Abstract

When Nipper closed its doors in 1999, an exciting new chapter began. Having spent my entire working life self-employed, a fresh opportunity soon emerged in Brighton's vibrant North Laine. That little shop became the birthplace of Abstract, where iconic patchwork designs, endless colour palettes, and the beloved My 1st Blanket came to life.

A new beginning in the North Laine

After Nipper closed in 1999, I genuinely didn't know what direction my journey would take. Pretty much my entire working life had been spent being self-employed and running my own ventures. When the chance appeared to open a charming shop in the heart of the North Laine in Brighton, I jumped at it without hesitation. Abstract was born, marking a vibrant creative transition from the 80s and 90s archive into a fresh design chapter.

The mathematics of colour in My 1st Blanket

It was during this era that I created My 1st Blanket originally in soft polar fleece as a simple patchwork baby blanket. The classic ready-to-buy edition was the Multi, crafted with 8 joyful colours and 8 different backing choices. Alongside this, I introduced a bespoke made-to-order service from a palette of 23 shades. What I didn't realise back then was the sheer scope of possibilities: picking just 5 colours from 23 yielded an astonishing 33,649 unique combinations.

The knitted evolution and downloadable patterns

Around 2010, looking to the future when I might no longer handcraft every blanket myself, I commissioned a knitted version of My 1st Blanket as a DIY project. That moment sparked our modern pattern collection. Today, you can bring this heritage design into your own home by purchasing the downloadable pattern and knitting your very own heirloom piece.