How To Print Your own Fabric And Make A Dress

Hi guys!

Happy Monday. Here's a little bit of Monday Motivation for you all by way of this dreamy new Stevie dress sewing pattern from the power house that is Tilly and the Buttons. 

Here's a little behind the scenes video with fellow model the lovely Sew Happy Alex.

You might notice the model is rather familiar and you're right. Not only did I model this gorgeous new dress pattern Tilly created but I also printed the fabric! And you can too via this DIY guest post I wrote all about it over on Tilly's blog. Oh and I used a Parsnip to print with if you can believe it! Get the full how to over on Tilly's blog. I used a parsnip to had print a random repeat pattern for this pink linen from my fabric stash. It's so simple and so much fun. The best thing about it is that each print is totally unique. If you're keen to learn a bit more about print design and fabric printing then check out my book How to Print Fabric for all the know how, tips and tricks.

Here are some more snaps of the dress so you can see the complete print design.

Enjoy!

Zeena X

How To Create A Seamless Pattern Repeat Workshop

Last month I was invited to host a repeat pattern design workshop with Spoonflower at the gorgeous fabric store Sew Over It in London founded by the lovely Lisa Comfort.

I teach regular workshops and love to share my skills to inspire more creativity. I always start my print design process with a drawing and from there turn my drawings into repeat patterns to create a finished surface pattern design. I was joined by eight lovely ladies who were keen to learn a bit more about pattern design, drawing and repeat pattern making.

Almost everyone will have owned a printed garment, piece of fabric, scarf among others in their lifetimes as it’s one of the oldest and more traditional fabric printing techniques so it was great to be able to show the group the differences in the types of patterns designs across the Sew Over It fabric collections in store. There were simpler block pattern repeats where shapes are repeated in a regimented fashion as well as more organic all over pattern designs. The focus of today’s class was the latter an all over print design and how to create one from scratch.

      

I started by demonstrating the repeat pattern making technique using some very simple drawings using textured pencils, pens and crayons to create interesting marks onto paper. They were all surprised at how simple the technique actually is and so I set them off with the challenge to create their own collection of repeat pattern designs by the end of the class.

We had a variety of art materials to work with from pencils and pens to watercolours and crayons so the breadth of mark making was lovely. The class were inspired by their favourite things, nature and the Spoonflower catalogue. It was wonderful to see their designs take shape as they grew in confidence throughout the session. Lisa Comfort herself even popped in to say hi and see how everyone was getting on.

It was so lovely to meet such a great group of ladies and be able to inspire and encourage their creativity. They all left with a brightly coloured bundle of pattern designs that they were ready to scan and upload to Spoonflower to turn into future projects. I can’t wait to see what they do with them!

To find out more about creating print designs for fabric check out my book How To Print Fabric for simple tips and techniques to start printmaking at home.

Zeena X

PS. You can make my jumpsuit, find the fabric over on Spoonflower here and the free in the folds pattern here.

5 Perfect White Summer Dresses You Need Right Now

Hey guys,

Double whammy this evening as i've had a lot of lovely comments on some of my recent summer outfits - thank you! - it's prompted me to share a bit more about my wardrobe choices and style finds in my Sunday evening browse at the shops online. 

I for one LOVE online shopping. Do you love or loathe it? I always get mixed reviews from friends and family but I absolutely love it as i'm sure you can tell from my insta stories... I have to say my current returns pile is a crime to living a plastic free life so it's not sustainable for certain and I promise to try harder. I think the key to nailing online shopping is knowing what size will fit you from each different store. For example I know i'm always an XS in Zara and an 8 in Topshop so once you have the right formula it's at least 80% more accurate and your more likely to be onto some winners. That said the returns pile is a definite thing so if you're prepared to be at the post office regularly then it's definitely for you.

An embroidered white dress is a completely timeless summer piece that will never fall out of fashion and something you must all have at least one of in your wardrobes. You can always dress them up or down, team with red lipstick or a flat sandal and you have a multitude of looks. 
So here are my top 5 dreamy white embroidered summer dresses that you need this invest in this summer. I promise you won't regret it. 

First up is this scallop edge pretty from Other Stories £85

Love the Broderie panels on this Topshop one £55

I've just added this one to my basket also from Other Stories £85

Loved the simplicity of this one H&M £49.99

Lastly there's this incredible one from Valentino £2480 - because a girl can dream right

Happy Shopping!

Zeena X

Blognic is back for 2018

Hey guys,

Hope you're all having a glorious weekend. Is it just me but is anyone else finding it increasingly difficult to stay in and work when the weather is so good? I think it's a general UK weather FOMO (fear of missing out)?! As it's so rare if I don't go and enjoy it it might not be good ever again..haha! Enjoy it while it lasts I say and try to combine work and sunshine...

That said i'm super excited to share i'm doing just that. Blognic is back for 2018! If you've been following me for a while you'll remember it from last year when I joined forces with Lynne from Papermash to bring some lovely creatives together on a very rainy Saturday. 

This year we've teamed up with the lovely Emma Block to create an even bigger Blognic for 2018 and she's even created this cute illustration for us to share.

If you haven't heard of the Blognic before it's a very relaxed afternoon meet up in Regent's Park and a place for creative conversation and a picnic. Plus it's totally free! All we ask it that you bring a blanket and some picnic food to share.

Blognic 2018 is on the 4th of August from noon in the lovely Regent's Park rose garden.
To find out more details and sign up for a free ticket head to our event page here.

Hope to see you there and meet some of you guys in real life this summer.

Zeena X