Wednesday, April 16, 2008

#22

I mentioned in my last post that one of the things that drew me to Lotta Jansdotter's book about printing was my own love of potato prints. I actually use a variety of vegetables for printing including carrots, celery (only way I'll get near the stuff, yuck!) and peppers. But potatoes are my favorite. All those other veggies produce a particular shape and that's what you print. Potatoes, however, can be carved and that makes them extra special. You can even impress a cookie cutter shape into a potato and then stamp that pattern onto fabric. In the past, I've used potato stamps to create stand alone patterns.


But lately I've experimented with layering patterns made with potato stamps and patterns made with other techniques.

This is the first stage with one pattern created from a carved potato and one color. I've also taken out any wax I laid down in stamping the initial pattern.


At this point I added more patterning; this time I used a different technique by drawing directly on the fabric with a traditional tjanting tool.

I love the depth that layering these techniques creates. The other day I made some yardage using these same methods, but in shades of blue. I'm thinking summer top for that piece.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Who could guess these patterns were created with a potato stamp!? You are so creative and free spirited, plus generous enough to share your secret technique. Sounds so much fun!

Kristin L said...

Your latest pattern looks so great! I love that it is simple and bold and yet complex at the same time.

Claire said...

I SHOULD try potato stamps, I've used lino cuts, but I think I tend to get a bit finicky and detailed.

I love the bold motif you have created with the potato print and adore the layering in later fabrics. Thanks for sharing.

Justine said...

Ohhh, yummy yummy taters!!! They taste good, too! You are such an inspiration!!! Yay for batik!!!

jacquie said...

How beautiful. And with a potato no less. I remember those prints we made in elementary school...you've taken this to another level. Simply fab!

Kittee said...

Inspiring! I am just learning how to sew and I find your blog very helpful!

-Kittee

bettyninja said...

Wonderful experiments with potato printing. I just wrote about the book by Lotta in my blog today. I hope this weekend to try some stenciling.

Love the pillow

Anonymous said...

Beautiful patterns in the fabric. I love how vibrant the colors are.

Tamar said...

I absolutely love the layered prints! They remind me of the colors and patterns of my childhood.

Here's wishing you a hag same'ach - I hope you are readier than I am! Ack!

Anonymous said...

You create the most beautiful things I've seen anywhere. Seriously!

Do you teach classes? I would love to learn from you!

Anonymous said...

I love to dye fabric in layers. I have a HUGE piece that I started years ago and had to put on hold due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. I think it's been processed 9 times at this point. I love the way the different patterns interact and how after a few times through the dye-bath the process becomes less clear to the viewer.

I've been lurking for a while, but I have to tell you that I love your fabrics. You get amazing graphic prints and use very inspired color combos.

susan said...

very nice...i always love it when you show more new fabric/yardage

prairievisiondesign : handmade said...

these are gorgeous - any chance of an online tutorial?

Anonymous said...

My potato stamps look 4-H compared to these fabulous fabrics!!! So goooood! Cheers, Tracey