This weekend I am teaching a new workshop at Midsomer Quilting. I am really looking forward to it, as it as I will be teaching one of my current favourite surface design techniques - printing.
I have been exploring and experimenting with printing using different media for the past few months and have created a collection of work with which I am particularly pleased, and has been well received by jurors in several exhibitions. Here are a few views of my latest quilt, called 'Lost in the noise' upon which I have used several different printing techniques. For this weekend's workshop I have decided to focus on my current favourite printing technique - creating custom made print blocks. Because of my eagle-eyed mum I recently managed to acquire a large collection of acrylic display bricks which are perfect for using as print blocks. At the workshop we will be using these and other block making materials for our work. I hope to add some some photos to this post on Monday so you can see what we create and the wonderful work that make with them. As part of the preparation I have been experimenting with creating print blocks from a variety of media. Starting with a few simple hand drawn motifs I have created a variety of one-of-a-kind fabrics by printing onto plain light coloured fabric. By carefully thinking about shapes, layers, layout and colour I have been able to make a collection of co-ordinating fabrics which I can use to create an art quilt or similar project. Here is an example.
Beginning with some simplified flower shapes it is easy to create a motif to work with
A simple round block forms the basis of a flower. A more complex block can then be carved from lino to create a repeating pattern.
By changing the flower shape slightly more variation can be added to the design. Limiting the colours you use also keeps things simple and makes it easy to create some very nice co-ordinating fabrics. I think these colours look very calm and fresh together. I cut the fabrics into largish pieces and stitched them together to make a panel large enough for a sketchbook cover. YOu could easily do the same for a larger wall hanging - or even a quilt!
I must say, I'm really looking forward to Sunday - it is going to be great to see what we all make. Come back to see later next week!
Thanks for reading.
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