Unlike the other two patterns in this collection, the seal design came from much more recent inspiration, and takes its name because that's what I really hope this young seal is doing - swimming free.

In April 2023 we visited Cornwall with some friends and whilst there my husband and I took a trip to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek. I took lots of photos, a little video and was captivated in particular by one playful female seal pup called Garlic.  I did watercolour sketches from my photos (they were all moving a bit too quickly to draw on site!), and these formed the basis of the seal design.

I really admire the work of the volunteers at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, who rescued Garlic and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary who took care of her. I'm happy to say she was released back to the sea shortly after our visit and I hope she's happily swimming off the coast of Cornwall with a family of her own.