Ali George Artist

For years I've been dyeing and hand printing most of the fabrics I use in my practice. Each piece has been unique and, to an extent, difficult to replicate. I wanted to bring my drawings, prints and doodles to life and this is the first. I really like the feel of Spoonflower's Petal Signature Cotton, although the background would have been better as pure white - this piece has a blue-ish tone. I'm going to love putting this piece under the needle.  

One of those books that almost needs no review or enthusiastic write up - it just is sumptuous, full of texture and inspirational stitch that's as good as chicken soup for the soul. The pages are thoughtful, intentional, about bringing meaning to mark-making and embracing where you find yourself, whereever that is. Fleaur's love of nature  intersects with her strong encouragement to explore, experiment and above all be at one with stitching in the ways of needle, thread, a cup of tea and taking time.  I found more than a 'how to' and more than the superbly photgraphed processes - this is a wonderful free-form meets the joy of being still. I have loved every page, some I pour over again and again to take in the rich, visual texture and find new perspectives every time I revisit. Koa Press is a New Zealand Publisher, and the book can be purchased through Can Do Books .  

My mark making exerciseon fabric produced a delicate set of signs and symbols. I then repeated the exerciseon paper, folding each edge to ensure all marking carried across the page so make a seamless (no punintended) repeat pattern. This was then scanned and cleaned up before uploading to a fabric printing website. I ordered small sample pieces (a must before ordering or offering the fabric for sale). I got the scale wrong. It needs to be a much smaller version of the characters - I feel these have pixelated somewhat. Great learning and  another round of samples being ordered.Once I'm happy with both the fabric type and the pattern scale, anyone will be able to order fabric or made up pieces including doona covers, table mats and table napkins.