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if you're looking to add a certain *je ne sais quoi* to your projects big or small, you must check out the wide assortment of hand-printed textiles available online. these fabrics are not only designed independently but they are printed screen by screen in a process that, frankly, blows my mind a little.
textiles by greenolivetextiles
pouch & journal cover by buttontreelane (via flickr)
since each piece is printed by hand, there is a deeply organic quality to each section of the fabric. a small smudge or drip - though rare - shouldn't be thought of as a flaw but as what makes the fabric truly unique.
textiles & finished items by lu summers
the three selections i chose represent two basic trends in printed textiles - bold patterns and bright colors. both lend themselves to the printing process exceptionally well and also help you to up the pizzazz factor when working with textiles of this kind.
now, some of you might be concerned about the price. certainly a hand-printed textile is not a spur-of-the-moment kind of purchase but choosing to splurge a bit on a small amount might just be the decision that takes your next project from nice to wowzer.
textiles & finished items by kalla
finally, if hand-printed textiles get your creative juices flowing, don't limited yourself to artists that only print yardage. you'll find a whole array of screen-printed tea towels that are perfect for cutting, slicing, & working into your next project!
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about tara
tara gentile is the editor of scoutie girl, the blog with a passion for people and the stuff they make. she is also a wife, momma, and wordpress designer who blogs on her personal portfolio, taragentile.com.
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Thanks Tara! I love the prints and colors used in these examples! Can't wait to explore this more, what about you? Do you think you might add some hand-printed fabrics to your next project? Let me know if you do :)
Amy
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Yes, indeed, a sampling of these should be in every seamstress' stash. Used as a focal point on a quilt or a border on a skirt would add such rich element. Great posts to you both!
ReplyDeleteOOh! I know lu summers' work, but the other 2 are new to me - thanks Tara, great finds (as always)! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are really cool prints? Now I just need a new home and some pillows like that! Perfect!
ReplyDeletebeautiful. These fabrics would make great gifts for certain sewing type people :)
ReplyDeletesomehow I found Aunty Cookie, who also has original fabric. She is from Australia but she had some things I simply HAD to have. http://www.etsy.com/shop/auntycookie
ReplyDeleteShe is pretty amazing. I would highly recommend checking out her fabric. I couldn't afford to get very much, but I'm sure happy with what I was able to afford!
these are amazing! great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat selection, they are all marvelous! ... and I agree, the whole process blows my mind, too... along with the patience it must take!
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is beautiful. Is there special care required for hand printed fabrics? Like, how do you wash them, etc?
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Tammy ~@~
Those fabrics are lovely!
ReplyDeletehi tammy!
ReplyDeletei spoke with a screen-printer last night to get an answer for you.
the fabrics should already be heat set and so your usual washing should be fine. however, she mentioned that throwing them in the dryer before using them isn't a bad idea!
when in doubt, don't be afraid to ask the artist! they're happy to help you get the most satisfaction out of your purchase as possible.
Great posts to you both!
ReplyDeleteWork from home India
Thanks for this...I am going to look into it, those are some fabulous prints. I know nothing about printing fabric, but would love to learn more.
ReplyDeleteI love that bottom left one by Kalla. It calls to me for a living room project.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your extra digging for an answer, Tara! I was anticipating hand washing delicately and am pleasantly surprised that hand printed fabrics are hardy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Tammy ~@~