Printing your own fabric

If I had an infinite amount of time I would do two things... post more on this blog and try printing my own fabric. While this isn't a new thing in textiles (duh..) it's certainly becoming more popular and there are even places now where you can send in an image and have them print fabric for you.

Here's how to try this at home:

From stitch.rip.repeat
http://stitchriprepeat.blogspot.com/2007/01/little-lesson-for-you.html


So great books on printing...

Lotta Prints

Very organic designs, some almost 60's looking. Good descriptions. Overall a great book.

Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens

Demonstrates lots of different techniques (sponge, stencil, screenprint, ect.) with some niffty little projects and patterns that you can use.

Blog Feature

Moms Blog is blog where mothers can write about their life, parenthood, and other sorts of things. They are based in New Jersey, but have sister sites for Chicago, Phildelphia, and more. I was asked if my little Polka Dot Dress could be featured in one of the stories and viola!! Check it out!!!

*I totally agree with what she is writing about. It seems like when we get our late dumping of March snow, boots and mittens are gone! http://svmomblog.typepad.com/new_jersey_moms_blog/2009/02/oh-if-only-we-were-in-the-season-the-stores-say-we-are-in.html#comments

Blog Feature

I had the lucky fortune to be featured in Karen Fields, owner of Karen Fields gallery . She posted the picture of my Japanese Cherry Blossom Onesie (which just sold today!). I was super delighted to see that the number of views for that doubled and I gained 20 new hearts!

Check it out!

http://karenfieldsgallery.blogspot.com/2009/01/favorite-etsy-shop-of-day_28.html

100!!

Today I hit 100 hearts on Etsy. Happy day!

All things Japanese

Yes, she looks European, I'm aware of that.

This is not a news flash, Japanese made things are huge!

Starting a few years ago (maybe longer?) people starting seeing bits and pieces of fabrics imported from Japan. Then came the whole soft toy movement, now books, packing tape, t-shirts, paper goods, and so so much more. I have to say I am as eager and enjoying it as much as the next person. Why you ask?

Well, let's start with fabric, my favorite import. Japanese fabrics seem to fall into two categories, traditional

and modern/trendy/juvenile/funky/ect.

Colors are bright, the cloth is heavier in most cases, and the patterns are often simplistic to juvenile to just downright odd.

Good sources for Japanese fabric....

www.beautifulwork.etsy.com
http://www.kitty-craft.com/
www.craftyplanet.com

Books!

I have to say that Japanese designers are some amazing people. I would say that a lot of the children's clothing I have seen is very simple, but also very unique. I currently have three books right now, all in Japanese so I can't give you the titles. Most books are still written with Kanji, so I have no idea what the written directions are, but if you have used patterns enough, you can figure out what it is you are suppose to do.

One of my favorites!!

Sources for Japanese books..

www.alittlegoodness.etsy.com
www.pomadour24.etsy.com

A whole blog dedicated to Japanese craft books!
http://www.craftlog.org/craftingjapanese/

A few books are now being imported with English translations. Some interesting ones....



Good sources for lots of Japanese imported goods.

www.modern-craft.net/shop/
www.3point5dollars.etsy.com
www.fromjapanwithlove.etsy.com