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Entries in fabric (3)

Monday

09Mar2009

Designs submitted

Monday, March 9, 2009 at 7:58PM

I have submitted two designs to Spoonflower for printing. I chose a fat quarter (21" x 18") of each design for $11.00 each. It is $18 for a full yard. I guess I should have done that but I was a little concerned that my line work is too thin and will not print well.

The motif is mirrored both vertically and horizontally so there is a total of 4 motifs in a fat quarter. Here is a link to one of the designs where you can play with repeat (mirror, half-step, centered, etc).

http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric_items/new?design_id=30460

I'll let you know as soon as I recieve the fabrics and also share any lesson's learned along the way.

Suzan Engler |

Big Time Fabric Designer (insert your name here)

Friday, March 6, 2009 at 3:04PM

Have you ever dreamed of designing your own fabric line? I sure have. And my dream consists not of individual little 8 ½ x 11 sheets of fabric but true yardage! Yards of curtains, piles of pillows, and maybe a smart-looking jacket all out of the same fabulous fabric.

I have found a way to make the dream come true even if your fantasy does not include a jacket. Check out www.Spoonflower.com. It is an internet site that prints your design on quality quilting-weight cotton. You can print a little or a lot.

I’m super anxious to give it a try but I’m also trying to exercise a little discipline and come up with a good design first. Has anyone tried it yet?

Suzan Engler |

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Monday

09Feb2009

Progression of an idea goes full circle

Monday, February 9, 2009 at 8:33PM

Have you visited Sue O'Kieffe's website Sacred Circle Mandalas? I find her work very inspirational and decided to explore mandalas.

First I started with a simple line drawing. I like using a computer program to do this because I can try so many variations quickly. I can also undo just as quickly.

I printed the full-size pattern and traced it onto prepared for dye fabric. Note to self: make pencil lines lighter next time. Gutta resist was painted on the lines that serve both as a design element and a boundary to keep colors neatly contained. Note to self: make sure all the gutta lines meet so there are no leaks between colors.

I'm lovin' the translucent colors; this is so much fun! Just as soon as the paint is dry I quilt with black thread to further accentuate the resist lines. It just keeps getting better. Shiva paint sticks add another dimension. Wow, I just love it but why are the resist lines kind of sticky? Note to self: remove gutta resist before quilting or adding paint sticks.

Okay, I've learned several valuable lessons in this process but what now? There are flaws so it is not ever going to be display quality. I decided to cut up the mandala quilt and made a journal cover – now I get to see and use it everyday. It makes me happy.