I’m a big-time fan of graphic art and block printing, especially as applied to textiles. Simple, clean, yet often kitschy shapes work amazingly well to create images–that can range from subtle to subversive–on fashion and home decor pieces. There aren’t many who do it better than textile artist Lotta Jansdotter, so I was thrilled when I got my hands on her new kit, Lotta’s Printing Studio.
The kit includes design sponges, 2 knives (for lino cutting), and 5 of Lotta’s signature drawings in stencil form.
As a knitter and crocheter, I’m always interested in how I can incorporate other media types into my yarnwear. I’ve done a bit of experimenting with some super basic painting and lino printing on knitted pieces but thought it’d also be fantastic to give stencil printing a shot. In a recent I Love to Create article, I showed how to hand-dye organic yarn and knit it up into a CowlKerchief which as it turns out, makes the perfect canvas for said stenciling. Here’s what I did and how you too, can print on yarn-y garments!
Hand-Dyed CowlKerchief, Enhanced with Lotta’s Printing Studio
Lay CowlKerchief (or desired knitted garment) with stencil on top, on a flat surface. Dip printing sponge in fabric paint (I used Tulip’s Soft Fabric Paint), then blot over stencil. For darker image apply more paint and pressure; for lighter image apply less. You’ll find that the design sponge works really well with the yarn because of how absorbent it is. Keep in mind though, when working with the hills and valleys of the knitted stitch, you’re not going to get the perfectly solid, stencil line that occurs when printing on fabric. I actually love this aspect of it though; the unevenness adds an additional textural layer!
I chose to use the Wall Motif on my knitwear (I’m an anarchist, like that ;-)) which requires two stencils. If you do the same, then repeat the step above; using a 2nd color of fabric paint. The design sponges are puffy enough that you should be able to just use the opposite end for the 2nd color, without having to dirty an additional one. One less thing to clean = more time to craft!
What you end up with is a mixed-media accessory that because of color, placement and textile choices, is uniquely you. Now that’s something to be proud of!
Jaunty neckwear not your thing? Try printing on knitted blankets, pillows, sweaters, scarves (still neckwear, but less jaunty), hats and more–have a great time printing!
YARNYAY! FALL BOX REVEAL:
Every season, YarnYAY! presents a new box for knitters who are ready to dive into a more in-depth project than our regular monthly boxes. For Autumn, we've gone mad for plaid, and are thrilled to have partnered with FOUR other (besides mine) woman-owned, small businesses. (Tap to see.)
We're shipping these box beauties on Tuesday 10/17 and only have a limited amount. Reserve yours today, in whatever palette speaks to you, and we'll get it to you ASAP. Link in @vickiehowell bio, or visit yarnyay.com...
Happy FriYAY! the 13th, Ghouls and Gourds! To celebrate we're giving you 13% OFF YarnYAY's spookiest kits and patterns. USE code: FRIYAYTHE13TH. Spooky sale item collecting link in @vickiehowell bio
FREE Pattern 🚨 Alert: The Ginger Spice Bi-Color Brioche Scarf! We couldn't resist whipping up this beauty out of the YarnYAY! October featured yarn @thefibrecompany &Make Aran (in colors Spill the Tea and Mon Ami). Make it to match either pair of the mitt patterns that come with our October Box, or make it on its own. You do you!
This pattern comes free with the purchase of &Make Aran yarn from our shop. Add the pattern to your cart, and the discount will appear at checkout. Who's feeling spicy? yarnyay.com (link in @vickiehowell bio).
The Forager wrist warmers by @hellogavriella (and featured in the YarnYAY! October Box) might be my favorite crocheted mitt pattern we've ever included in one of our monthly boxes. The wool/alpaca blend of @thefibrecompany &Make Aran yarn is the perfect medium for textured linen stitches. Oh, and the peek-a-boo detailing at the top-edges, is *chef's kiss"!
Treat yourself to the October Box to get this pattern (plus THREE more!), yarn, and a couple more awesomely autumnal items. Link in @vickiehowell bio (or go to yarnyay.com) to learn more.
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