After last week's little adventure, it was a real treat to have a project turn out exactly the way I planned. Here's the fabric I printed up for Bethany's fat quarter swap. The base is gocco printed, and the colored dots are from a sacrificed sponge brush. I've always found it a little tricky to print fabric with the gocco - the fabric tends to stick, and you have to put consistent pressure on the stamp printer to get the image even. But then I had a real light bulb over the head moment -
my knitting blocking board! I lay down a couple layers of newspaper, pin the fabric down, and stamp away! The board is made of fabric, so it has just enough give that the image always comes out even. Another plus, it's 48" wide, so it's simple to print an entire yard of fabric lengthwise. To finish the width, I just slide out the top layer of newspaper and move the fabric. It's the perfect printing surface. I love it when I find multiple uses for things. I've always felt a tad guilty for buying that board, since I only use it a few times a year. This will no longer be the case!
And because the gocco is so great, I was able to clean off the screen and print up some more colorful cards. The fabric ink doesn't come in so many colors, and I really wanted the graphic element of the circle in the fabric design. So far, the only other fabric I've seen for this swap is Mimi's (you need to scroll down a bit), but if hers is any indication, some great stuff is on the way!
Oh my! I'm in so much love right now! That is so flippin' cute!!!!
Posted by: scribblesnbits | July 23, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Wow, Lookin' great! I'm working on mine today so hopefully will be posting more soon.
Posted by: mimi k | July 23, 2007 at 01:12 PM
fantastik! where do you go to get fabric printed? my mind is a flutter with excitement. images of fabric dancing in my head!
Posted by: cindy | July 23, 2007 at 08:28 PM
Wow! Beautiful! (mimi's too).
I was smiling while reading, because I was picturing you with a lightbulb over your head. :)
Love,
me
Posted by: Diane Duda | July 24, 2007 at 05:07 AM
I'm trying so hard to resist the temptation to try and print my own fabric. But seeing awesome stuff like this is making it difficult. Love it!
Posted by: futuregirl | July 24, 2007 at 08:58 AM
Flying squirrels - I love it!
Posted by: Sonya | July 24, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Love those flying squirrels :)
Posted by: Felicia | July 26, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Wow! Wow! Wow! I absolutely love this. Really wonderful work.
Posted by: myra | August 02, 2007 at 01:03 PM
Hi Rose!!! --- Congrats on getting on Whip Up!
I loved seeing the gocco print on my birthday card! I really think I need to get one for myself somehow. And thanks for the b-day gifts. I have all my fav Dollcenas now, and plenty of reading before bed to tied me over for some time.
Thanks!!!
Posted by: Lauren Faust | August 02, 2007 at 03:41 PM
wonderful blog! i will have to link you!
Posted by: cutesypoo | August 05, 2007 at 05:20 PM
I've seen it in person and it's wonderful. :)
Posted by: Michelle | August 12, 2007 at 07:30 PM
The flying squirrels are darling. You're very talented! I wish I could draw.
Posted by: Faith | August 15, 2007 at 12:31 PM
What a brilliant solution to your printing conundrum!
The fabric is certainly fab too!
Posted by: ladylinoleum | August 15, 2007 at 05:32 PM
OMG... they're flying squirrels doing somersaults!!! so cute.
Posted by: melody | October 17, 2007 at 05:28 AM
Absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Claire Gillis | December 26, 2007 at 05:00 PM