One of my favorite textile arts is surface design. I adore anything to do with fabric, but creating my own fabric has to top my list of having fun. This past weekend I was prepping to teach a class at Stitches At Home Expo (Nov. 6-8) on Printing with Found Objects. You have no idea what your pantry, fridge, and junk drawer hold for you as far as inspiration and tools for print design.
![](https://www.cochenille.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Fabricwithpattern.jpg)
Linen fabric printed with a variety of ‘found objects’
The investment to get started is minimal (under $10.00). You need textile paint or acrylic paint (textile paint is better because it isn’t as stiff), a foam roller paint trimmer, a foam brush, some kind of flat surface (an old cookie sheet or piece of glass), a padded surface of some sort (it could be felt, polar fleece, or a towel), and of course, fabric to print.
I chose two fabrics: a plain cotton to do my testing, and a light-colored linen fabric for the final print.
Below are some of the substances I used in my print process.
![](https://www.cochenille.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/orzo-macaroni.jpg)
![](https://www.cochenille.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rubber-bands-cardboard-.jpg)
![](https://www.cochenille.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cabbage-and-broccoli.jpg)
![](https://www.cochenille.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/twistties-and-cone.jpg)
![](https://www.cochenille.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/three-fabrics-1.jpg)
So… you may ask, what shall one do with them? Well, since my various fabrics are all relatively small, I decided to do a pieced garment. Here is the pattern that I created in Garment Designer Software (www.cochenille.com). I was able to use the Facing function to create division lines so I could plan out a pleasing division of space.
![](https://www.cochenille.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FoundObjPattern.jpg)
I’ll print the pattern in full scale with the grid on, and use it as a guide. I’ll either separate all the pieces and add seam allowances as I cut my final fabrics, or I’ll piece section together and then piece the sections. Either way will work.
I still have to heat set all the fabrics, but then the final step can begin: the putting together of fabrics at my sewing machine.