Make It

That Hair! That Dress!

Just two images I recently saw in my Google Reader and liked.

Via Curly Nikki and All The Mountains

Velvet Velvet Velvet

Love all these fabulous velvet swatches at MFAMB. Ever since purchasing our two wing chairs, which are upholstered in either velvet or faux-velvet, I've become a big fan. I also love that the editor of an actual real life magazine (Newell Turner of House Beautiful), drops in from time to time to offer design advice to one of the most foul mouthed blogs out there. Awesome.

What Do We Think About Leopard Print?

 

I used to think leopard print was terribly tacky, but I think I've come around on it. In moderation, leopard is alright with me.

(left: Virgina Johnson, right: fabric.com)

Patterned Kicks

I want a pair of Kehinde Wiley for Puma sneakers. If you're not yet familiar with this artist, take a look at his portfolio, which I can only describe as "BET meets Galbraith and Paul." But really, it kind of defies categorization.

They remind me of these limited edition oxfords from Boxing Kitten. These African style patterns are turning up everywhere. I need to get my hands on some fabric for some sewing projects of my own.

Then, of course, there are Toms, but I can't justify paying $50 - $70 for glorified slippers. I hear mixed reviews on how sturdy they are for lots of walking.

 

Tekstila Textiles

Way back in November, I attended the Detroit Urban Craft Fair and purchased some screenprinted fabrics from Tekstila. The goal was to turn them into fabric napkins for the Thanksgiving meal I was going to host. That never happened - I ended up using a friend's cloth napkins, also purchased at DUCF - but I still have these beautiful fabrics that I want to put to use someday on a small project.

They are small squares, about the size of a fat quarter, so whatever I make with them, they'd probably have to be pieced together with other fabrics. I've been talking about making a quilt forever, maybe these are the fabrics to inspire me to finally do so.

Unfortunately the seller's Etsy shop is currently empty, and I don't think the Sold items are a good representation of the variety of products she had available at the show. This is an example of a crafter's online presence not doing justice to quality of their work. But if you happen to be in the Midwest and see Tekstila at a craft show, definitely take the time to check them out.

Works in Progress

A nearly completed bag made from some fabric I blockprinted a while ago. This is one of my favorite pattern/color combos. I hope to make a silkscreen of this pattern soon.

I'm rejecting the photo emulsion route and instead making my silkscreens using the drawing fluid method. This is pretty time consuming but for me, I feel more comfortable working with a pencil and paintbrush than  with a computer and darkroom chemicals.

First I sketch out the pattern, scan it into the computer and make a few pattern repeats in GIMP.

Then I print it out and place it under the screen to trace my design directly onto the mesh using a pencil.

The screen I'm using is actually so big that I've got two different designs on here.

After everything is traced onto the screen, I flip it over so that the screen frame is directly on the table and the mesh is hovering slightly above the tabletop. Now it's time to paint on the drawing fluid using a paint brush.

If I thought my right hand was cramping after the tracing, that was nothing compared to the cramping that came from painting the tiny pattern. I'm fully done with the pattern above but I've still got to paint the zigzag pattern on today. Once that's done, I wait for it to dry, spread on the screen filler over the whole screen, wait for that to dry, then rinse everything out. If all goes as it should, the blue stuff will wash out, exposing my pattern and the screen filler will remain in the screen. Pics to come!

Also here's another project from a while ago I never shared. I made my first attempt at clothing design, using some of the fabric I silkscreened with the circles pattern. The final result was a cute shirt but way too small and unwearable for me. I was really inspired by Caitlin Mociun, who designs, silkscreens and sews all the garments in her line. Next time I silkscreen fabric I'm definitely trying again.

From Picture to Pattern

I like this look at the process of how Cheeky Beaks finds inspiration in a picture book and turns it into a fabric design. It's great when designers share the behind the scenes peeks at their creative process.

Mod Green Pod Intern Needed

Mod Green Pod, an organic textile and wallpaper company where I work part time, is in need of a part time intern! It's a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in all aspects of a small design business. Details below.

General Business Internship: Fall/Winter time frame. Option to extend internship into Spring exists if desired.   

Mod Green Pod (www.modgreenpod.com) is a Boston-based company that designs, manufactures and sells organic cotton upholstery fabric and vinyl-free wallpaper.   We are seeking a part-time intern to help with general business tasks. The intern must be able to commit to at least 15 hours a week.  Intern will work directly with co-founder Lisa Mims, as well as other employees.   This is an unpaid internship, but school credit can be earned.

Primary Responsibilities:
1.    Manage mailing list
2.    Send samples to customers/inquirers and follow up
3.    Assist taking of orders
4.    Assist packing/shipping of orders
5.    Help to manage inventory
6.    Research additional sales channel

Qualities:
1.    Creativity, enthusiasm, follow through
2.    Knowledge of MS Office
3.    Interest in textile design, green home design, green building

Incentives:
1.    School credit can be earned
2.    Duties/hours can be tailored to your requirements
3.    Flexible work schedule
4.    Opportunity to learn first hand about working in a small design company, in an entrepreneurial environment as well as in the Green building industry

Please email a resume, a description of any special internship requirements and questions to lisam@modgreenpod.com.

To learn more about Mod Green Pod, please visit: www.modgreenpod.com

Silkscreening wallpaper: a video

So I'm a little obsessed with the silkscreening process. Here's a series of photos (and a video!) from wallpaper and fabric studio, Twenty2 of their production process. Make sure to watch the video, the artisan makes it look so easy. I love how long these screening tables are. Think I can fit one into my apartment?

Unfortch I can't link directly to the video and photos (it's a pop-up) but go to this page, click on "see how it's made" and take a look.

Pictures of the fabric printing process

Here's a textile company that's new to me. Esperanto makes silk screened textiles in small batches. I love the process photos on their site - though I wish they were larger so I could take a better look.

Speaking of process, photos have you seen the newly updated Mod Green Pod site? There's a whole page with great (large) pics of the fabric production. Check out a video interview with the founders here.