True Up http://www.trueup.net All Fabric, All the Time Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:30:33 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 trueuphttp://feedburner.google.com David Walker: Get Together, and Quilting Collection Design Trends http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/uNQ94eEn8Fk/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/fabrics-2012/david-walker-get-together-and-quilting-collection-design-trends/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:29:47 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19477 I’ve always been fond of David Walker’s charming kids’ collections for FreeSpirit. His newest, Get Together, features bears, pigs, squirrels, birds, and hearts. So sweet! I’m also interested in how this collection is all novelty prints (with a lot of floral action mixed in) — in this case he is playing with density and scale [...]

I’ve always been fond of David Walker’s charming kids’ collections for FreeSpirit. His newest, Get Together, features bears, pigs, squirrels, birds, and hearts. So sweet! I’m also interested in how this collection is all novelty prints (with a lot of floral action mixed in) — in this case he is playing with density and scale to fill the supporting role that coordinating geometrics usually play. Notice how some of the smaller-scale, packed prints look like geometrics from a distance.

How do you respond to collections lacking the “usual” dots, stripes, etc.? Do you see this as a trend in the industry? Maybe with the abundance of basics on the market, designers have more leeway with the conventional quilting cotton collection components. Maybe it’s just a FreeSpirit thing, or FreeSpirit is leading the way on this. In the book I profile Erin McMorris’ Weekends, another FreeSpirit collection, as an outstanding example of a modern collection that creatively flouts the traditional focus/supporting prints hierarchy. It reflects the fact that we’re using quilting fabrics for non-quilting projects just as often — or maybe even more often — than we’re using them for quilts.

Thanks to Jody of Fabric Shoppe for the photos. She has the collection available now.

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]]> http://www.trueup.net/2012/fabrics-2012/david-walker-get-together-and-quilting-collection-design-trends/feed/ 0 http://www.trueup.net/2012/fabrics-2012/david-walker-get-together-and-quilting-collection-design-trends/ Digital Fabric of the Week: nisee made http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/oKSukguWBWk/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/digital-fabric-of-the-week/digital-fabric-of-the-week-nisee-made/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:29:10 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19470 One of the cool things about the Fabric Design Forum is that I have one more avenue to find artist/designers work that is new to me. Chicagoan Denise Holmes recently joined — her blog and shop are called nisee made. She is an illustrator, primarily for stationery and children’s goods, but she said she’s recently [...]

One of the cool things about the Fabric Design Forum is that I have one more avenue to find artist/designers work that is new to me. Chicagoan Denise Holmes recently joined — her blog and shop are called nisee made. She is an illustrator, primarily for stationery and children’s goods, but she said she’s recently branched into fabric design and loves it. Her adorable collection Roar Lion is for sale on Spoonflower (complete with a craft panel for a stuffed lion), as is her top-10-placing Peek a boo! cloth baby book.

{ screenshot and photo from Spoonflower }

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]]> http://www.trueup.net/2012/digital-fabric-of-the-week/digital-fabric-of-the-week-nisee-made/feed/ 2 http://www.trueup.net/2012/digital-fabric-of-the-week/digital-fabric-of-the-week-nisee-made/ New IKEA Fabrics http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/4RK9fFbRd6U/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/home-dec-fabric-of-the-week/new-ikea-fabrics-winter-2012/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:59:14 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19460 Checking in with good old Ikea! They have several new mini-collections of their trademark Scandinavian maxi-graphics. Above, Annamoa by Lotta Kühlhorn, for the surrealist child’s room, perhaps? I like the faces print below, Edma, and the other scribbly prints that resulted from a collaboration between IKEA and Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm. Above, Solgerd (left) and Solrun, [...]

Checking in with good old Ikea! They have several new mini-collections of their trademark Scandinavian maxi-graphics. Above, Annamoa by Lotta Kühlhorn, for the surrealist child’s room, perhaps? I like the faces print below, Edma, and the other scribbly prints that resulted from a collaboration between IKEA and Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm.

Above, Solgerd (left) and Solrun, two pretty painterly florals by Malin Åkerblom. See also Gullan Blom.

Evalena and Evalotta are also by Malin Åkerblom and have a happy kids’ room vibe.

Finally, Monalis by Kristine Mandsberg and Patricia by Linda Svensson Edevint, two very beautiful, mysterious, foresty florals.

Even more cool new prints can be seen here.

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]]> http://www.trueup.net/2012/home-dec-fabric-of-the-week/new-ikea-fabrics-winter-2012/feed/ 4 http://www.trueup.net/2012/home-dec-fabric-of-the-week/new-ikea-fabrics-winter-2012/ Interview: Michelle Fifis on The Sellable Sketch http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/oeQ--AI9qdc/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/designer-interviews/michelle-fifis-on-the-sellable-sketch/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:50:26 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19449 In the last section of A Field Guide to Fabric Design I write about whether or not formal schooling in textile design is necessary to make it in the field. The short answer is no, but it’s an invaluable experience if you are able to enroll in a program. You will have the time set [...] In the last section of A Field Guide to Fabric Design I write about whether or not formal schooling in textile design is necessary to make it in the field. The short answer is no, but it’s an invaluable experience if you are able to enroll in a program. You will have the time set aside to concentrate on developing your artistic voice, have access to additional tools and resources, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll get advice and feedback from experienced professionals and benefit from a community of creative peers. Of course, we’re not all at a place in our lives where we can go to FIT or The California School of Professional Fabric Design! Fortunately, the wonders of the internet, met with the hard work and vision of textile designer and blogger Michelle Fifis, we can all participate in the next best thing: textile design e-courses. Michelle currently offers two courses through the site Camp Pikaland: The Ultimate Guide to Repeats and The Sellable Sketch: Developing an Irresistible Surface Design Collection. The Sellable Sketch is starting up again next week, on Feb. 6. And Michelle is joining me here today to answer some questions about the course. Below, I’ve also shared Michelle’s video introduction to the course. This girl thinks of *everything*, and my forum members highly recommend the class, so I do too!

…

Hi Michelle, and welcome! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

Sure Kim! I am a Portland, Oregon based designer who specializes in working one-on-one with clients to develop textile design collections. I work with clients in a variety of industries, but I specialize in and have a passion for the fashion industry. Over the past ten years I have worked with clients such as: Lucy Activewear, Jantzen Swimwear, Columbia Sportswear, P&B Textiles, and Floppy Products Inc. In 2010 I started Pattern Observer and I quickly fell in love with the textile design community! Through Pattern Observer I discovered a new passion: teaching and mentoring aspiring textile designers.

And please also tell us about Camp Pikaland — how did your relationship the wonderful Ms. Amy Ng begin and how has the Camp evolved?

Camp Pikaland is an amazing resource that Amy launched in 2011. It is basically an online classroom where students can take a variety of classes from anywhere in the world! Amy offers flexible, affordable courses that are perfect for designers who want to continue to learn, but do not have want the restraints of a traditional classroom setting. When I discovered what Amy was creating I immediately contacted her with several course ideas. This will be my third time teaching The Sellable Sketch and it just keeps getting better!

How does the class work? What can students expect, and what are the requirements time- and equipment-wise? Is it completely self-paced or do you have to be online at certain times?

Each week students receive a video tutorial, a workbook, and a few projects to work through at their own pace. They are free to post any questions that they have to the private forum and at the end of the week we have a live 90 minute project review and Q&A. Those that are unable to attend the Q&A can submit their questions beforehand and download the video at a later date. Students also receive wonderful tools such as a hand-dandy resource guide and The Sellable Sketch Next Steps guide which they can use after the course has come to a close.

The Sellable Sketch is packed with information and projects so I recommend that students set aside at least 3 hours each week for the development of their collection. Students just need a computer and internet access. It helps to have Illustrator and Photoshop, but it is not required. Many students choose to hand-paint their designs.

What will students learn from the Sellable Sketch?

Students learn a systematic method for creating irresistible surface design collections, which they can implement season after season. This includes discovering their personal style, identify their ideal customer, developing a theme to their collection and learning how to turn their sketches into digital prints in Illustrator and Photoshop. We also dive into color palette creation, print coordinate development, and elements that lead to a successful print collection. In addition to these tutorials I answer any and all questions about the industry and launching or improving an existing surface design business.

This course is a wonderfully supportive environment where long-lasting friendships are created. We even started a private Linkedin group for Sellable Sketch graduates to share successes, ask questions, network and stay in touch. I love it!

—

Thanks so much for stopping by, Michelle! I hope all you aspiring surface designers will sign up, I know it’ll be just the thing you need to go from dreaming to doing.

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]]> http://www.trueup.net/2012/designer-interviews/michelle-fifis-on-the-sellable-sketch/feed/ 3 http://www.trueup.net/2012/designer-interviews/michelle-fifis-on-the-sellable-sketch/ Cosmo Alphabet Print http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/wOsiwQRxVQE/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/japanese-fabric-of-the-week/cosmo-alphabet-print/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:03:01 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19444 I love flash cards and old school primers. This cotton-linen alphabet print from Cosmo also makes me think of board game graphics. Spotted at JapanLovelyCrafts on Etsy. Related Posts Quilt Market Fall 2008: Japanese Fabric: Cosmo Fall Quilt Market 2011: Cosmo Japanese Fabric of the Week: Alain Grée Happy Cats and Dogs Japanese Fabric of [...]

I love flash cards and old school primers. This cotton-linen alphabet print from Cosmo also makes me think of board game graphics. Spotted at JapanLovelyCrafts on Etsy.

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]]> http://www.trueup.net/2012/japanese-fabric-of-the-week/cosmo-alphabet-print/feed/ 1 http://www.trueup.net/2012/japanese-fabric-of-the-week/cosmo-alphabet-print/ Sale Alerts: International Edition http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/5hQ3ixhzBKE/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/sale-alerts/sale-alerts-international-edition-3/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:16:17 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19441 Miss Matatabi (Japan): 35% off Far Far Away III by Heather Ross. (through 2/4/12) Ray Stitch (U.K.): 20% off your order with code NEWYEAR12. (through 2/2/12) Related Posts Sale Alert Sunday: International Edition Tags: coupon codes, international | Category: Sale Alerts Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter Miss Matatabi (Japan): 35% off Far Far Away III by Heather Ross. (through 2/4/12)

Ray Stitch (U.K.): 20% off your order with code NEWYEAR12. (through 2/2/12)

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]]> http://www.trueup.net/2012/sale-alerts/sale-alerts-international-edition-3/feed/ 0 http://www.trueup.net/2012/sale-alerts/sale-alerts-international-edition-3/ Sale Alerts: North American Edition http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/HFHpzeE8vY8/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/sale-alerts/north-america-1-29-12/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:02:43 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19439 Calico Corners: 20% off fabric in stores and online. (through 1/28/12) Connecting Threads: 30% off Love My Honey, Parlor Pets, and Hope Chest. (through 2/20/12) Contemporary Cloth: 20% off your order with code january. (end date unknown) DeltaPatchwork.com: 20% off all Stencils (through 1/31/12). Free shipping on all contiguous U.S. orders $40+. Denver Fabrics: Silk [...] Calico Corners: 20% off fabric in stores and online. (through 1/28/12)

Connecting Threads: 30% off Love My Honey, Parlor Pets, and Hope Chest. (through 2/20/12)

Contemporary Cloth: 20% off your order with code january. (end date unknown)

DeltaPatchwork.com: 20% off all Stencils (through 1/31/12). Free shipping on all contiguous U.S. orders $40+.

Denver Fabrics: Silk Chiffon $7.45/yd, Poly/Rayon Burnouts $3.95/yd, Slinky $4.45, Wool/Cotton Shirting $3.95/yd, Lace $3.95/yd, Cotton Poplin – $3.95/yd. (through 1/30/12)

Ellen Medlock Studio: 25% off entire purchase sitewide – fabrics, patterns, bag hardware, everything! (through 1/31/12)

eQuilter: Food themed fabrics – harvest & farmer’s market 10% off, clearance novelty & holidays 35% off, both 1 yd minimum. (through 2/5/12)

Fabric.com: Select fashion fabrics 60% off, 20% off remnants (through 1/30/12). Always free shipping on orders $35+.

The Fabricologist: Inventory Blowout Sale — 5-35% off more than a dozen great designer collections. See the full list here. (while supplies last) All U.S. orders $70+ ship for free.

Fabricworm: 10% off all Japanese imports. (through 2/2/12)

Fat Quarter Shop: 40-50% off over 200 Michael Miller fabrics, including Peacock Lane by Violet Craft. Tons more in the sale section. (end date unknown)

FinnStyle: Big sale on more than 50 Marimekko fabrics. (while supplies last)

GloriousColor.com is reducing the price of Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably, and Philip Jacobs regularly priced printed fabrics by taking off $1 per yard. (through 1/31/12)

JAQS Fabrics: 10% all cotton solids with coupon code JAQSSolids10. This is on top of the great low prices and bulk discounts. (through 1/31/12)

Mad About Patchwork: Over 80 bolts of designer fabric on sale. Anna Marie Horner, Pillow & Maxfield, Riley Blake and lots more!! Yardage and fat quarters starting at $5 /yard. Super deals on pre-cuts and kits too. January Feature Fabric – save 30% on Soul Blossoms by Amy Butler for Westminster Fibers. (through 1/31/12)

Oh Olive Organics is closing up shop — all organic fabric is 40-50% off and non-organic fabric is $4-5 per yard. (while supplies last)

Paper Thread Fabrics: 50% off 1001 Peeps by Lizzy House, Cut Out & Keep by Heather Moore, and lots more designer and organic collections. (end date unknown)

Pink Chalk Fabrics: Magazine back issues and books 40% off. (end date unknown)

The Quilted Castle: 40% off Prospect Park by Kitty Yoshida for Benartex and Wild Daisy by Benartex with coupon code wildpark. (through 2/4/12)

Quilthome: 10% off all valentine’s themed fabrics with code VALENTINE (through 1/31/12). 25% off all Pillow & Maxfield fabrics with code QHAPMF (through 1/30/12). See website for additional daily deal. One coupon per order. Always free shipping on orders $50+.

Sew Modern: Over 200 fabrics at 20-40% off, including Habitat by Jay McCarroll, Happy Mochi Yum Yum by Monica Solorio-Snow, Heirloom by Joel Dewberry and tons more. (while supplies last) Starting February 2nd they’re celebrating one year in business — 1YEAR20 will get you 20% off all fabric not already marked down. (2/2/12-2/8/12)

This-n-That Fabrics: Lots of new clearance items. Free shipping for or all U.S. orders and $5 off international postage. (through 1/31/12)

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]]> http://www.trueup.net/2012/sale-alerts/north-america-1-29-12/feed/ 0 http://www.trueup.net/2012/sale-alerts/north-america-1-29-12/ Pretty Printed Linens http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/a2OX0htQqy8/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/store-spotlight/pretty-printed-linens/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:36:33 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19436 Dots and stripes linen bundle at Seamstar UK. (via Donna Flower‘s Pinterest) Related Posts Cabbages and Roses: Northcote Range Sources for Linen Online Ikea: PS Tott Tags: linen, online shopping, printed linen, u.k. | Category: Designer and Store Spotlights Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter

Dots and stripes linen bundle at Seamstar UK. (via Donna Flower‘s Pinterest)

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]]> http://www.trueup.net/2012/store-spotlight/pretty-printed-linens/feed/ 2 http://www.trueup.net/2012/store-spotlight/pretty-printed-linens/ Digital Fabric of the Week: C’est La Viv – Zig Zag http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/QloVJaOA7hM/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/digital-fabric-of-the-week/digital-fabric-of-the-week-cest-la-viv-zig-zag/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:12:25 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19428 Canadian artist/designer Vivian Ducas, aka C’est La Viv, has met with some wonderful successes in the past year — one of her designs was included dailycandy.com’s trends for 2012 and featured on the Today Show! She has added several beautiful collections and individual prints to Spoonflower since I last checked in — Zig Zag combines [...]

Canadian artist/designer Vivian Ducas, aka C’est La Viv, has met with some wonderful successes in the past year — one of her designs was included dailycandy.com’s trends for 2012 and featured on the Today Show! She has added several beautiful collections and individual prints to Spoonflower since I last checked in — Zig Zag combines her signature watercolor look with the ultra popular chevron motif. They look so gorgeous all on the page together.

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]]> http://www.trueup.net/2012/digital-fabric-of-the-week/digital-fabric-of-the-week-cest-la-viv-zig-zag/feed/ 2 http://www.trueup.net/2012/digital-fabric-of-the-week/digital-fabric-of-the-week-cest-la-viv-zig-zag/ Marimekko Spring 2012 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/trueup/~3/4EygVYpI5gI/ http://www.trueup.net/2012/fabrics-2012/marimekko-spring-2012/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:02:38 +0000 Kim http://www.trueup.net/?p=19416 In some circles, being named the World Design Capital is as cool and exciting as getting the Olympics in your city. Helsinki has been named World Design Capital for 2012, so naturally it’s going to be a big year for Marimekko, who is responsible for so much of the Finnish design aesthetic. To celebrate, they’re [...]

In some circles, being named the World Design Capital is as cool and exciting as getting the Olympics in your city. Helsinki has been named World Design Capital for 2012, so naturally it’s going to be a big year for Marimekko, who is responsible for so much of the Finnish design aesthetic. To celebrate, they’re re-releasing Per Olof Nyström’s 1952 print Helsinki – Helsingfors in two colorways. Coordinating fabric for spring are Metropoli and Puistotie (Park Lane), inspired by Helsinki’s Art Nouveau buildings and courtyard pavings. These designs grace a whole host of products in addition to fabric.

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