Porter spreads into bedding

PRINCETON, WI — Teaming up with San Francisco-based manufacturer Keeco, designer Tracy Porter brought her playful patterns to bedding for the first time at spring market.

Already in rugs, wallpaper borders, tabletop, pillows, lampshades and other products, Porter decided to break into bedding to add another dimension to her lines. "With textiles you can create different layers, and Tracy's all about layers," said Ann Porter O'Brien, director of marketing for the designer's company.

Targeted at department stores and big box retailers, the collection will initially consist of three patterns, stemming from several of Porter's other designs, and which capture different looks. Cottage Trellis uses soft colors for a romantic look. Fragrant Garden mixes blue and red stripes with a floral print on a yellow ground in a patchwork style. Perfume is a bold, sophisticated look with black checks and a floral print on an aqua ground.

A queen comforter set (with comforter, bed skirt and two shams) will retail for $249.99, a queen sheet set for $99.99, a decorative pillow for $39.99 and window treatments from $39.99 to $49.99. All sheets will be 100 percent cotton and 250-count. The reusable packaging is in a carrying case with black and white gingham.

Two patterns will ship within several weeks, with the last one shipping by June 1.