Thursday, June 28, 2012

printing :: for the swap

After more experimentation, yesterday, I finished printing my pieces of fabric for the handprinted fabric swap. I ended up moving away from the original blocks I was using, and going for something far more geometric ~ an old letter "z" ...


I printed all of the designs onto natural linen/cotton fabric so I could compare ...


I really like the Indian block I used, and managed to get the repeat reasonably accurate, but my ability to control the ink distribution well enough (in my view) just wasn't there, and I didn't feel happy for this to be my swap pattern.

 Similarly with the heart block ~ I like it, but don't love it ...


The "z" or "NZ" (as a few Kiwi's have pointed out on facebook!) really works for me. It was (enjoyably) very time consuming to print with, but I love the shape and geometry. I'm really happy with how it turned out. 


As many of you know, I love to wrap things!! These are my fabric pieces, all wrapped up using the fabric I printed with the initial blocks, some brown paper and jute twine. I hope my swap partners like them!


I'm already looking forward to the next swap. It's a nice to have a good reason to experiment with different techniques and designs.

A quick shop update ~ NEW dual coloured "Make your own bunting" craft panels now in stock here.

More creative spaces here.


20 comments:

Claire said...

Hey Nic, I love all the prints specially the heart block.
I'm sure your swap partner will be thrilled with the fabric......love the colour too.

Claire :}

BigLittle said...

Beautiful and love the wrapping too! xx

BOB & MABEL said...

They all look beautiful with their imperfections.

lamina@do a bit said...

I loved do the swap too! Your partners are very lucky :)

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

All of your prints were gorgeous! The heart one was my favourite. :)

Jennie said...

That Z print would be great on some bed pillows!!x

teddybearswednesday said...

that red looks just brilliant on the linen. I'm totally smitten with that Indian block pattern. it's just beautiful and I never get tired of it xo

Notchka said...

Being a Kiwi - I just have to say nice one Nic! Although I think the first two patterns are really interesting too.

Cat from Raspberry Rainbow said...

They are really all so beautiful! I especially love the Indian block fabric, I like the (slight) uneven-ness of the ink, it really adds some character and charm.

Kat McNally said...

Simple but stunning!
xx

Paravent said...

They are all fabulous! :) There's going to be one very happy recipient. Kx

CHD said...

I like all of them. So effective. Cx

sweet emmelie said...

All looks gorgeous. will be a very happy partner indeed!

Megan said...

Gorgeous, you definitely decided on the right print, although I do like that indian scalloppy block pattern to. I'm imagining there must have been a LOT of ruling up to get those Z's so straight!

flowerpress said...

I love them all too!

Brenda @ 13 Acres said...

well i love all of them, i think you are way to critical, but then again we crafters are often hardest on ourselves! i think your swap partner will be very happy! great designs xx

Creative Chaos Art said...

I love the idea of using old printing blocks to create fabric designs! My Dad collects printing presses and type, so I think I might need to rummage through his collection to find some to have a go myself!!
Thanks for sharing :)
Helen x

amy said...

These are so lovely. Just right, simple but beautiful.

Max said...

wow, they're amazing! I particularly love the arc shaped one; and red on natural linen looks so beautiful. I predict your swap partner will be overjoyed when she see's your parcel! I'm just getting organised to have a go at printing on fabric (in a very basic beginner fashion) i am very excited to have a go but shocked at the price of linen!

Ms Candy Bags said...

This is just awesome...feeling inspired! Thanks for sharing! What kinfpd of paint do you use?