Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Simple fabric printing.



My colour palette for today.

My water pot, an old mug. Did you spot the mistakes? I forgot to wash it out first - it usually holds my pens. Oops! I also forgot to clear a space around my work. Luckily nothing got damaged this time... But I did forget to remove my best cutting mat. It won't be damaged, but might have turned an interesting colour.
My first colour. I am using a scrap of old tea towel to print with. The tray originally came as part of one of those packaged meals. I have added quite a lot of water to this paint since I want it to really soak into the fabric.
As you can see, not too much of the fabric paint is needed.

My fabric is a loosely woven cotton. I would describe this as "cheesecloth". The fabric needs to be stuck into position using masking tape. The table needs to be covered to avoid staining.

This is some more Setacolor being added, just a small dollop. One of those small tubs (45ml) goes a long way.

I have deliberately not mixed thoroughly, but have added more water and will print with the mixture looking like this.

The reason being that I can get some wonderfully unexpected effects like this one above. The two greens have not mixed together and I get pure colour.

I am now going to add in the red.
I love the colours in the mixing basin.

This is the completed cloth, still wet.
Yes, I used every scrap of the Setacolor mixture.

This is the washed cloth, it is rather interestingly stained. I shall use it again.
Talking of stains, I should own up and mention that the nails of my right hand are currently slightly yellow. One thing I keep forgetting to use are gloves................
The fabric I have printed today - it is still damp as I write - is intended for a new round robin I am taking part in. I intend to overwrite the piece with words linked to Books. Whether this piece of fabric will be good enough for this purpose is another matter. I shall have to wait until it dries.
Thanks for reading my Blog. Please let me know if you have found this post of interest.

11 comments:

Toni said...

I found it fascinating! You do so many interesting things--I just love to see all the things you come up with. Very inspiring!

Unknown said...

HI Mandy, I found your post very interesting. I read every post of yours but must confess I don't always leave a comment. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the fabric.

Mandy said...

Thanks for your comments Toni. It was lovely to read on your Blog that you enjoyed your first visit to a knitting group.

Mandy said...

Hello Stitch1Peta, how lovely to hear from you. I shall be writing a further post about this particular piece of fabric after I am able to spend a little more time with it.
Thanks so much for your comment. I was really interested to read about your foray into book making. I look forward to reading more about the course you are planning to take.

Anonymous said...

Loved, loved, loved reading about this technique and discovering Setacolor. I've been wanting to do some sun prints that weren't blue, but didn't know if other options existed. Will it wash off the items you place on it, do you know? Have a great day!

Mandy said...

Hello there, Elizabeth. Thanks for commenting on my Blog. Setacolor Soleil is the sun print version. I have used it before and it is quite effective, but you really do need a sunny day. The paint will wash off most things, but does tend to stain plastic and painted surfaces. It might be worth covering things you don't want stained in a layer or two of clingfilm. I used it with a class of children (aged 7 to 8) and they had a great time painting the Setacolor on and then finding bits and pieces to use.

Mandy said...

I forgot to mention, Elizabeth has some wonderful Aboriginal prints on her Blog today in celebration of Australia Day.
http://thingsbright.com/austrailia-day-celebrating-aboriginal-fabric-designs/
Thanks so much for sharing them with us, Elizabeth, I really enjoy reading your Blog.

Elysian Studios said...

Love the step-by-step photography! I am not familiar with this process, so I appreciate you explaining it!

Anonymous said...

Mandy - thanks for the info and the link! :)

Mandy said...

Thanks Erin, for leaving a comment. I hope you find the technique useful and give it a try.

Mandy said...

My pleasure, Elizabeth.
I look forward to seeing how you get on with the sunprinting.