Followers on Instagram will have seen that I created some fabric from a photograph of a rock I took on our recent holiday to Broome [later add: I was inspired by the magnificent fabric that Meggipeg created from one of her mother’s paintings]. Because of the colours, I found that I am well camouflaged against the rocks in Coalseam Conservation Park where we visited a couple of weeks ago to look at the wildflowers.
This is the photograph I used. It is a rock at Gantheaume Point in Broome, most famous for having dinosaur prints in the rocks. This isn’t one of those famous rocks, but I was taken with the colours; I love the pink and the ochre and would never have thought of combining the two.
I did some cropping and then used the mirror feature to create the fabric, which I had printed at Spoonflower.
I ordered a yard (why only a yard?) of the organic cotton knit ultra, which luckily had a bit of stretch as I had no idea what to do with this. Unfortunately, the logical way to use the pattern was the opposite way to the stretch, which caused me a bit of head scratching. I have to admit that I had no idea how this fabric would turn out and was quite surprised at how defined the pattern was. You can see that there is a strong pattern to the right hand side and a slightly less strong pattern to the left of it. This left me with a bit of a conundrum. I needed to feature those two patterns and they were close together. I thought about a skirt, but it didn’t work, and then I went to my old standby the Deer & Doe Plantain. I redrew the pattern so that I could lay the whole front and back on the single layer of fabric, lining up the pattern and top and tailing the front and back so that I could fit them on.
I had just enough at the top of each piece to get a short sleeve out, centreing the pattern. Of course, I should have sized up as the stretch is less than I would normally use for this pattern, but hey ho, it worked – sort of!
I’ve got to say that I’ve learned a lot from this little exercise, and will do it again, with a great deal more editing before I get the fabric printed. I will also have a much better idea about what I want to make from the fabric before I order it, but I’m not regretting getting this piece printed (and another, different, piece, yet to be made) as I really like this top.
Every time I look at it I get lost in the pattern. I’m not sure if it was our recent attendance at Aladdin the musical (compliments of Tom and Bridgette), but I can see genies, and all sorts of wizard like characters in this fabric. Some of the faces do weird me out a little…
Please excuse the hair in these photos – I had a swim and then parked a hat on my wet hair, which is not ideal!
The back has a very strong pattern.
I think this is a lovely way to get souvenir fabric. It is unique to me and is a really nice source of conversation. We were in the Geraldton Art Gallery (fascinating video on Morse Code showing there) and someone admired it. I’m sure they regretted commenting as I launched into a description of where it came from!
After a few wears, I have decided that the front neckline is too high so I’ve unpicked the whole thing and lowered it.
Wow. What a wonderful way to create a design for printing on fabric. This is the best Spoonflower print I have seen.
Oh, you’re so sweet Karey! I am so pleased it worked out so well.
What a brilliant idea Sue, and the finished print is really unique and beautiful
Thank you Charlotte, I’m rather thrilled with it.
this is great! ……and I am Happy to see that Spoonflower now has also a factory in Berlin. Good for European fabricfreaks
This fabric was printed in Berlin! You should really give it a go Marieke!
I love this fabric! So brilliant to use a photo you’ve taken. And mirroring the design 😍
Thank you Abbey, I couldn’t make it look any good without the mirroring, which threw up so many interesting patterns.
What a great idea! I might have to copy it!:) your tee looks great, the pattern placement is perfect and this is such a clever and lovely souvenir! Thank you for the inspiration!
Oh, I’d love to see you do something Katharina, Spoonflower do the printing in Berlin, so close to you.
Of all your creative work, this is my absolute favorite. What a stunning print. Well done!
Thank you so much Bette, I really appreciate your comment. I was pleased with the outcome.
How very clever – and beautiful!
Thank you Martha, I really like the fact that it will always remind me of a lovely holiday.
Amazing. A fantastic souvenir. You and the fabric are amazing.
You are so sweet, thank you!
You are getting more and more creative every day! Wonderful to see. I expect you to make something special for our Xmas party! There’s a challenge for you but I don’t think a very difficult one.
OK, challenge accepted! I have something simple, yet complex, in mind!!
This turned out really beautifully. It is difficult to see the original photo with the mirroring, but the patterns and colours are gorgeous. I look forward to seeing what else you are going to make with your prints.
I think I need to consult with you, as I don’t really know what I’m doing!
This looks fantastic Sue, what a great idea.
I’m so pleased I gave it a go. There will be more. Thanks Marilyn!
I love this souvenir top, Sue! This is such a great idea. I loved Megan‘s prints very much, too. 🙂
Yes, Megan’s are gorgeous, and I really want to do more of this.
Fabulous!
M
Gorgeous and inventive! Love it!
Thanks Rachel! I can’t wait to do more.
What a great idea and a lovely memento to keep. 👍🙏👏
Great idea! There are so many things in nature that are worth seeing again – on clothing! 😁👍
I agree, should be more of it!
I had seen your tee on IG but hadn’t had a chance to read your blogpost. What a fascinating process! Your print turned out amazing, Sue xxx
Thank you so much Hélène, I am so pleased with this tee shirt, and I’ve since lowered the front neck and it is much better. Now I just need some warm weather!
Such a fabulous idea and way to really capture wonderful memories. Your tee is just fabulous! Love the fabric placement and how you had the print printed. 🙂
Thank you Lisa, I am so pleased with this whole make.
This is awesome! I love the idea of creating your own souvenir fabric 😎
Yes, I think it should be a mandatory part of every holiday.
The whole outfit is a hit.Great style and excellent fit.