Four years ago, designer Christina Weber launched San Francisco textile company Studiopatró based on her penchant for one key thing: culinary arts. “I love to cook and bake and am passionate about wonderful kitchen gear,” says Weber, who uses eco-friendly, water-based inks and linen from The Netherlands for aprons, tea towels, and zippered pouches in cheery patterns ranging from pinwheels to stripes and large polka dots. “The tea towel became a natural canvas, and I love working with the texture of linen. It’s such a luxurious and practical cloth. I love the patina that comes with use and age. The added bonus of linen is that it is the most ecologically-sound of all textile fibers, so it’s good stuff.”

Weber, whose career has spanned from art teacher to graphic designer and catalog designer for Williams-Sonoma, is also launching new soft goods such as the “Everyday Bistro” towel that doubles as an apron, and a collection of oversized, hand-printed “Bandana” napkins. “Design is everywhere, so inspiration comes from just about anywhere,” says Weber of the handmade items printed in Oakland. “I love the shapes of leaves, fashion, patterns of light, kitchen tools, traditional tile design, typography, vintage textiles, and quilts. I get inspired while walking to work, flipping through magazines, and even Instagram and Pinterest.”

After several years on the job, Weber admits she’s still giddy about each final design. “My favorite part is seeing a new product for the first time,” she adds. “It’s really fun to see the ink, cloth, and sewing all come together.”

By Jennie Nunn

Pictured: Christina Weber
Photo by Deborah Jones

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