Dirtrider
Import the pattern into inkscape and then "trace the bitmap"
now drag the top image across to the left, so that you can see both.
with the image still selected click red on the colour bar along the bottom of the screen, if the image turns red then it is the bitmap, if not delete that image and select the other, and do the same.
You should now have a completely red image
Now in the bottom left corner of the screen you will see two boxes "fill" and "stroke", right click on the fill and select white. your image has now disappeared,
now right click on "stroke" and select "last set colour" your image will re-appear with just a black background.
Now again right click on "stroke and select "edit stroke", then from the box that comes up you can play around with the colours to get a deep red.
if you want to now put in the "light colouring", again right click on "fill and then select "edit fill" this will then bring up a box and you can play around with the colour of your choice.
or as I do just leave it as a red outline thus saving ink
hope that helps
Dave