Kudzu is an invasive plant that was introduced to the South in the early 1900s to combat erosion, but quickly took over and became known as "the weed that ate the South".
Growing up in Middle Georgia, I remember the sound of bees, the grape-bubblegum-scent of purple flowers, and also the constant struggle to keep this aggressive grower from taking over everything in its path.
We had a 1950's red Ford Tractor that we used to help us keep the wild invader at bay, and this tractor makes a cameo in the hero pattern- I would say this is my very favorite element of all the ones I drew. Here's me learning how to drive on grandpa's long-lived tractor:
So, of course, this piece of nostalgia had to make it in to the collection:
In the finished "Takeover" pattern here:
I worked on this collection while I was locked down on Cheung Chau Island in Hong Kong during the pandemic. Luckily, there was some outdoor space and a bit of fresh air... despite being literally on the opposite side of the globe, this collection transported me back to the Southern United States.
In addition to illustrating the way kudzu takes over its landscapes (and everything else in its path!), I also wanted to include various "predators" that have been brought in, in an attempt to curb the invasion: goats, deer, kudzu beetles, humans... but still, it spreads!
You can see the full collection here, and as of October 2023 it is available for purchase through PBS Fabrics! Ask for it at your favorite fabric + craft stores, and if they aren't offering it yet, contact me and I'm happy to help them place an order.
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