Kindly Woven Artist Feature: Roberta Bologna

Some designs feel like they’ve always existed, like they were waiting to be discovered in a sketchbook or pulled from memory. That’s how Roberta Bologna’s work feels. Rooted in history but full of life, her patterns carry both strength and softness. As the artist behind Leona and Willa, Roberta brings a thoughtful balance to everything she creates—quietly bold, carefully made, and filled with meaning.

Meet the Artist

Roberta is based in Italy, where the past is always close by. With a background in architecture and a love for design, she found her way to surface pattern work in 2019 and hasn’t looked back. “It was the perfect way for me to combine my creative side with my love for composition,” she says. Inspired by historic prints and the textures of everyday life, her work often starts with block printing, one of her favorite practices for its human touch and unpredictability.

Why Woven?

The move from paper to thread felt like a natural next step. Roberta was drawn to the tactile quality of woven textiles and the idea that her designs could live on in everyday spaces. “I'm excited by the idea of creating a tactile product that’s made to last over time, with my artistic touch,” she shares. She found the creative limits of weaving, especially the color constraints, to be surprisingly inspiring. “It’s a challenge that really sparks creativity.”

Design Inspiration

Her two blanket designs tell different stories, but they’re united by her love of history and thoughtful composition. Leona is bold and full of energy, an ode to folklore, guardianship, and beauty that stands out. Willa is softer and more grounded, with a calm pattern that draws on nature in its gentlest form. Together, they reflect Roberta’s style: handmade, eclectic, and refined.

The Creative Process

Roberta believes in slowing down, both in her work and in how people live with it. This collaboration felt like a chance to do that—to create something that invites comfort and connection. “I truly believe the future will be about creating spaces that are emotionally comforting,” she says. She hopes these blankets bring a feeling of warmth and intention into people’s homes.

Final Thoughts

For Roberta, having her name connected to her designs is about more than recognition, it’s about honoring the story behind each piece. She sees projects like Kindly Woven as a way to bring more awareness to how textiles are made and who makes them.

She imagines Leona and Willa as blankets for someone creative, someone who loves to layer stories into their home. Whether folded at the foot of a bed or thrown over a favorite chair, she hopes they bring both comfort and character.

Explore the Collection

You can find Leona and Willa, and the stories woven into them, over in our collection here.

See more of Roberta’s work and what inspires her over on Instagram @apostrofodesign.