Towards the end of last year, I had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with Tanya from Ecoveeve on not just one, but two Truffles & Ruffles lunches - each one a beautiful expression of creativity, warmth and thoughtful design. Working together across these two settings allowed us to explore the versatility of her linens in a way that felt both inspiring and deeply personal.
As part of this collaboration, I sat down with Tanya to learn more about the story, craftsmanship and inspiration behind her beautiful block-printed pieces - and the values that make Ecoveeve so special.
Q: Ecoveeve is known for its beautiful block-printed linens. Can you share a little about the artisans and traditional techniques behind your designs? What makes block printing so special to you?
Hand craftsmanship is at the heart of everything I do at Ecoveeve. My journey began as a social entrepreneur, working with artisan communities in India to create meaningful livelihoods, especially for women in rural areas. Craft has always felt like a way to preserve heritage while empowering people, and that belief guides every piece we create today.
I now work closely with master block-print artisans in Jaipur, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary design. Each piece begins with hand-carved wooden blocks and is printed by hand using natural dyes, one layer at a time. The process is slow and intuitive, shaped by the skill, rhythm, and care of the artisan.
No two pieces are ever identical - the subtle variations, the slight shifts in alignment and depth, are the quiet marks left by the maker’s hand. These imperfections aren’t flaws; they are what give each piece its soul.
Colour is equally vital in bringing a design to life. The same pattern can feel completely different depending on the combination—soft, earthy tones evoke calm and nostalgia, while brighter palettes bring energy and freshness. Natural dyes allow us to create nuanced, layered colours that evolve beautifully over time.
Q: Sustainability is at the heart of your brand. How do you approach sourcing, production and design in a way that honours both the planet and the people involved?
For me, sustainability is not just a principle - it’s a way of designing and creating that respects both people and the planet.
It begins with the materials we choose. I source the highest-quality cotton fabrics, which are durable, easy to care for, and naturally biodegradable. When paired with hand block printing, these fabrics become almost heirloom pieces—designed to last for years, or even generations, while retaining their beauty and character.
The dyes we use are azo-free, meaning they are free from harmful chemicals that can damage the environment. Through our collaboration with Jaipur Bloc, we ensure that every batch of block printing is managed responsibly: the dyed water is treated and recycled, waste is safely discarded, and the recycled water is reused in the next batch.
This careful process allows us to honour the environment while supporting skilled artisans.
Environmental consciousness also guides the way I approach design development. I love creating prints, colours, and combinations that are versatile and mix-and-matchable, so each piece can evolve and continue to feel fresh and renewed over time.
Q: For our Truffles & Ruffles lunch, you selected such a stunning combination of colours and patterns. Can you talk us through your creative process and how you envision your linens being used when styling a table?
For the Truffles & Ruffles lunches, Anna beautifully styled our Ecoveeve tablecloths in two very different ways, showcasing their versatility and character.
Our Saanjh Pink Stripes print worked perfectly for both Charlotte’s dining room and the Christmas lunch at Anna’s home, bringing celebratory warmth and elegance to each setting. “Saanjh” means evening in Hindi, and the print is inspired by Jaipur’s pink city walls at dusk.
To complement Saanjh, we created the Pink City Paisley print, which Anna used as a table runner for the Christmas lunch. This design draws from the bougainvillea flowers that bloom across Jaipur during dusk, echoing the romantic tones of Saanjh while adding a more intricate, organic layer to the table.
When I design linens, I always think about versatility and storytelling. I love prints that mix and match effortlessly, so each table setting becomes playful yet harmonious.
Styling a table isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about creating a mood, evoking a place, and capturing a moment. Nature is a constant source of inspiration, and the interplay of flowers, colours, and geometric elements often guides the prints I create. These details give the designs depth and allow each table to feel layered, personal and full of warmth.
Q: What inspires your collections? Are there particular places, textures or stories that shape the patterns and palettes of your linens?
I often look to the world around me - the changing skies, flowers, and the rhythms of life - for inspiration.
Our latest collection, Dawn to Dusk, reflects the colours of the day:
Kumkum Red and Haldi Yellow capture the warmth of the early morning sky
Bela, with its sky blue and green tones, evokes the freshness of midday
Saanjh Pink Stripes and Pink City Paisley draw from the soft, dusky hues of Jaipur’s city walls
Ecoveeve is about experiencing nature and giving back to it, so flowers, landscapes and environmental elements always find their way into my designs. I also love weaving in India’s heritage - traditional motifs like paisleys and Bela, inspired by Pichwai art, which tells vibrant stories of Lord Krishna.
The way colours and patterns combine is very intentional. I design linens that feel layered, versatile and inviting—perfectly complementing the soft, warm, lived-in feel of English cottage living.
Each piece is ultimately a story of nature, craft and joy - something I hope brings warmth into every home.
With much love
Anna x
