Tag Archives: custom fabric

Meredith Simpson – The Designer Project

It’s been such a treat having Meredith Simpson as our Featured Artist for the month of October! We have loved sharing her adorable animal prints and hope you’ve loved them just as much as we have! 

 To coincide with Meredith’s ‘Aussie Cuties’ collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind creative process and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Meredith Simpson, her inspirations and design process! 

9F6F6CE3-A151-4F5B-BB88-189529A53EE6Meredith Simpson

This collection was inspired by our beautifully unique Australian native animals. I feel we are so lucky to have such wonderful creatures that are native to our home, they are just so gorgeous that I had to draw them. It started off only going to be a collection of 3 or 4 animals but grew as people kept suggesting others that were their favourites. 

90CB44C35017415E99A02EC1DA6116B7

Galah Bird Drawing

This design process has been a learning curve for me, as it is my first real experience using my artwork to create digital designs. I love drawing and painting and now also enjoy using my artwork digitally too – it has opened up so many more possibilities of how to share my artwork with others. 

My designs all start off with hand drawn artwork. I enjoy working with both pastel pencils and watercolour paints, but find that for furry animals the soft texture I can achieve with pastel pencils is best. 

0E837DABD8C047AD8B4756D4068C8275

Black Cockatoo Bird Drawing

To create my prints, I first used an editing program to remove the backgrounds from my pictures and to cut small details, such as leaves and gum nuts, from larger art works. I then used Publisher to experiment with various backgrounds and combinations, with the ever patient help and feedback from Ella. 

0912DB5D05B942E8A16745DDD00C1AC9

Meredith and her daughter with her Animal Artworks

The Australian animals used in the ‘Aussie Cuties’ collection were created by me as part of me finding time to create art work for the enjoyment of it. I had been drawing lots of pet portraits and then drew some woodland animals for my sister in law’s nursery. I loved the freedom of drawing animals that weren’t for a particular person and wanted to draw our native animals because I feel they are just so beautiful and unique. 

IMG_1801

Titch the Tasmanian Devil Sketch

It was fun collaborating over email to create these designs and I am so thankful to the Design Project for their guidance and for this opportunity. I look forward to creating more from my artworks in the future. 

 

If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch! 

Lilli of Frocks and Frou Frou – Make an Impressionist

For the launch of our new organic cotton fabric Poppy we asked Lilli of Frocks and Frou Frou to test it for us. Lilli is a creator and a maker and we were so excited to collaborate with her. We sent her the Hearts Garden design print by Susanna April on Poppy sateen fabric to create a dress that her readers would love, and to share with you also! As Lilli said: The Poppy is light enough to billow when it catches the wind, but with a weight of 140gsm, it’s perfect for use in items that need just a little structure! Interested to know more about Lilli’s creation? Keep reading Lilli’s blog post! 
green organic cotton designer fabric-1950’s party-dress

Dress pattern: Cashmerette Honeybourne, made from cotton sateen fabric Poppy printed by Digital Fabrics (print design by Susanna April)

I am not, let’s just say, an accomplished sewist. I can sew a straight(ish) seam, and I’ve more or less learned how to read the instructions of a sewing pattern. I know the difference between a French seam and a felled one. But apart from moving a hem up or down I don’t really know how to do alterations. About this time last year I bought myself a copy of Jenny Rushmore’s book Ahead of the Curve, thinking that it was probably time to teach myself how to do a full bust adjustment at the very least.

Reader, the book sat on my shelf. Then it sat on my shelf a little more. And then the team at Digital Fabrics got in contact to see if I’d like to road-test their brand-new cotton sateen, and I thought ‘Ooooh, I’ll need to make something really special with that!” and decided maybe it was time to try my very first Cashmerette pattern.

Based in Sydney, Digital Fabrics is a digital textile print house that prides itself on its quality, quick turnaround, and ease of design services. All their inks are non-toxic and water based, and they have a huge range of fabrics on offer including cotton, rayon, linen, ponti, lycra, canvas and more. They also offer on-demand cut-and-make product services for people who might not sew, but would like to take advantage of the ability to print their own artwork onto cushions, teatowels, curtains, totebags, etc.

On the website they have straightforward tutorials on how to create your own seamless fabric repeats, and if you’re feeling Very Serious about this textile design thing, you can actually take a one-on-one online class that will guide you through the process. Or you can do what I did, and simply choose an existing print from Digital Fabrics’ gallery of artists.

The print that I chose leapt out to me from the screen with its gorgeous painterly hues of blues and greens and hints of pinks. It reminded me immediately of Claude Monet’s Water Lillies series. Perhaps aptly, it’s called My Heart’s Garden, and it’s by Brisbane based artist, Susanna April.

Digital Fabrics sent me My Hearts Garden printed on their beautiful new Poppy sateen, a 100% cotton fabric with a slight sheen, and a soft hand-feel. It’s light enough to billow when it catches the wind, but with a weight of 140gsm, it’s perfect for use in items that need just a little structure. Which is to say: it was perfect for Cashmerette’s Honeybourne.

The Honeybourne is available exclusively with Ahead of the Curve, and it’s a woven dress pattern with a darted front, sleeves, and a full skirt. It’s the pattern where Jenny teaches you a brand range of alteration techniques, including full and small bust adjustments, a narrow shoulder adjustment, a full bicep adjustment, a swayback adjustment, and broad back adjustment. It comes in sizes 12-32 and in three cup ranges: C/D, E/F, G/H. I made the 18 E/F, and full disclosure – for all my hyping myself up to learn how to do adjustments, it fit perfectly (as far as I can tell) straight out of the packet.

With the full gathered skirt, fitted bodice, and half-length sleeves, it’s got a real 1950’s party-dress vibe to it. There’s an enormous amount of yardage in that skirt – it’s actually six panelled, though the abstract print disguises that well – and it’s actually the perfect length for me to wear over my tulle skirt when I really want to fancy it up.

I love the pattern, and I LOVE the fabric; which at just $44 per metre (limited time only) is virtually the same price you’ll pay for fabric from one of the big European design houses. I’m keen to try my hand at designing my own print next time (or enlisting some three-year-old help!)

Have you felt inspired reading Lilli’s blog post? Are you ready to dive into your own creative project? If so, don’t forget to visit out fabric shop online to view an enviable range print-to-order designer prints!

‘Aussie Cuties’ Textile Collection by Meredith Simpson

We’re super excited to announce that our next featured artist from The Designer Project will be ever so talented, Meredith Simpson! 

The ‘Aussie Cuties’ collection was inspired by our beautifully unique Australian native animals. Meredith feels that we are so lucky to have such wonderful creatures that are native to our home and finds them so gorgeous to draw.  Created from pastel pencils and that she finds to be the perfect medium for capturing the texture and softness of animal fur. 

 

Keep reading to find out more about Meredith Simpson and her adorable animal designs! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_walter wombat

Walter Wombat on pink

‘Walter Wombat’ is a fluffball full of fun. Paired with our beautiful native gum blossoms, this print is pretty and playful. 

‘Walter Wombat’ would be such an adorable design for kitchen homewares and garments such as aprons! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_native cuties

Australian Animals on white

‘Native Cuties’ is a super cute print that features four of our iconic native animals: koala, echidna, platypus and wombat. The natural colours of the animals and the green gum leaves against the bright white background make the colours shine! 

We love ‘Native Cuties’ for some fun fashion accessories like tote bags or even some kidswear! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_keeley koala

Keeley Koala on green

‘Keeley Koala’ is the most gorgeous green print that features the cute Keeley koala together with her favourite eucalyptus leaves! 

‘Keeley Koala’ is the perfect print for sweet accessories such as pouches and bags! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_quinn quokka

Quinn Quokka on peach

‘Quinn Quokka’, this cheerful, adorable print features the always smiling Quokka! The watercolour flower detail and warm colour palette make this such a joyful print that will make you want to smile too. 

We think ‘Quinn Quokka’ would be an amazing design for home and interior projects such as Cushions! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_titch the tasmanian devil

Titch the Tasmanian Devil on grey

‘Titch the Tasmanian Devil’ is a celebration of all things Tasmanian! This lovely print features Titch the Tasmanian Devil together with the beautiful Tasmanian Blue Gum. 

‘Titch the Tasmanian Devil’ is a super fun print that would be perfect for projects such as a DIY laptop case or homewares such as Tea Towels! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_meredith simpson_native cuties 2

‘Native Cuties 2’ is a sweet print featuring three of our unique native animals: dingo, quokka and Tasmanian devil together with our beautiful blue gum leaves. The natural colours of the animals and the native foliage against the bright white background make the print come to life! 

‘Native Cuties 2’ would work perfect for some cute fashion garments like an adorable skirt or even some kidswear! 

 

All of our project ideas above are suggestions only as the sky’s truly the limit with Meredith’s adorable animal collection! Each of Meredith’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop, so head on over to be inspired for your next DIY project! 

Print on organic cotton. New Organic Cotton Fabric – Poppy!

Print on organic cotton. Organic cotton fabric Poppy

This year our focus is to test as many new fabrics as we can find and get to know fabric mills worldwide. Through our exploration, we came across our new fabric base which has won our hearts.

Say Hello to our latest addition to the fabric family, Poppy! This fabric has a soft handle, a lovely texture when washed (you probably won’t even want to iron it!), brilliant colour reproduction and most important of all, colour fastness.  We simply couldn’t resist introducing this glorious fabric to our range.

Keep on reading to find out more about our brand-new natural fabric print base and get inspired for your next project!

holiday theme fabric

Fabric design: Sunday Drive to the Coast – Sue Michael

designer fabric Digital Fabrics

Printed Poppy fabric. You can print your own artwork online or select a unique design from Australian artists and designers in our Fabric Shop! 

 checkered fabric

Fabric design: Checkered Lavender – Britney Munday

sunflowers fabric

Fabric design: Sunflower Fields – Andrea Maurer

Poppy is a luscious 100% Organic Cotton fabric woven in fine sateen weave with a slight sheen. It has beautiful colour reproduction when printed due to its bright white base and washes well keeping the print lovely and bright. Even though this fabric washes well, the pigment inks are one of the most fragile inks on the market and require special care. For the best results, we recommend washing the fabric gently by hand with cold water or a cold, gentle machine wash with phosphate free detergent.

unprinted Poppy fabric

Unprinted Poppy fabric

colour wash testing

Left side: colour chart before wash. Right side: colours and shrinkage after wash.

It’s a wonderfully versatile, easy to sew fabric with a maximum printable width of 145cm. It has a weight of 140 GSM making it a perfect lightweight print base for fashion garments and accessories such as skirts, dresses, pants, shirts, bandanas and hair scarves. It would also be suitable for some homewares such as table linen, pillowcases or even a sweet wedding banner!

textile design inspiration

Image source: Rachel Antonoff

textile design inspiration

Image source: Poppy and Honesty via Etsy

Sample swatches of Poppy are available through our Sample Pack Order Form in our ‘Natural Fabrics’, ‘For the Little Ones’ and ‘Super Pack’ sample packs on the website. Contact us to find out if this fabric is a suitable option for your next textile project!!

red poppy fabric

Fabric design: Sunset Poppy – Jenni Rogers

snake fabric

Fabrics design: Snakes in Leaves Peachy Pink – Dominique Collins

Poppy fabric printing base samples

Samples of Poppy fabric can be ordered online

diy-cat-bandana-halloween-fabrics

DIY Halloween Cat Bandanas Tutorial

diy-cat-bandana-halloween-fabrics With Spooky Season well and truly on its way, we wanted to give you a fun little Halloween DIY project to make for your pets…well, cats specifically!  

Everyone on our team is avid cat lovers and most of us have our own fur babies to dress up. We always see cute seasonal looks for dogs but where’s all the fun cat costumes, right? Well with this tutorial, you can create your own custom Halloween bandana for your cats this October! 

Get creative, keep on reading to find out how you can make your own Spooky Cat Bandanas! 

 

What you need:  

  • Custom Printed Fabric (we recommend our Ashton, Ebe, Oliver, Aerocorp and Cotton Poplin fabrics). 
  • Scissors 
  • Dressmaker Pins 
  • Sewing Machine or Sewing Needle 
  • Sewing Thread – you can match the colour of your fabric. 
  • A cat of course! 

Introducing our cats:

Halloween Cat Bandanas_5

Method: 

1. The most important step of all…order some wonderful custom printed fabric, you can design your own or order designer fabrics from our Fabric Shop. We recommend our Ashton, Ebe and Cotton Poplin for a natural fabric option or our Oliver and Aerocorp fabrics for a polyester (easy care) option!   We’ve gone with our Ashton fabric which is a lovely lightweight Cotton Jersey.

Halloween Cat Bandanas_6 Halloween Cat Bandanas_7

2. Using a pair of scissors cut out a square shape, we’ve gone with 40 x 40cm, but you can go smaller or larger depending on the size of your cat.   

Halloween Cat Bandanas_12

3. Once you’ve got an even square cut out, you’re going to fold over your fabric diagonally – printed side to printed side, corner to corner; to create a triangle shape.  

Halloween Cat Bandanas_13 Halloween Cat Bandanas_16

4. Once you have your triangle shape and all the edges match up, you’re going to pin together the edges so the fabric doesn’t move around when trying to sew.  

Halloween Cat Bandanas_15

5. Now it’s time to sew! We’ve used a sewing machine for our bandanas but you can easily use a sewing needle as well. You’re going to stitch a straight stitch, 1cm in from the raw edge starting from one of the corners. Sew around the sides of your triangle angle shape, leaving a 6cm open gap so you can flip it right-way out when you’re done.  

Halloween Cat Bandanas_14 Halloween Cat Bandanas_4

6. Once you’ve got your pieces stitched together, from the 6cm opening you’re going to pull the inside out. Make sure all the corners are completely pulled out and everything is lying flat, as we’ll be stitching around each edge again.  

Halloween Cat Bandanas_18 Halloween Cat Bandanas_17 Halloween Cat Bandanas_3

 

7. When you’ve got your Bandana completely pulled out, so that the print is now on the outside; you’re going to top stitch 0.5cm in from each side, the whole way around. Make sure to tuck in the raw edge of the 6cm gap, pin it and stitch over this part as well. This will create nice, flat edges around your Bandana and a stronger stitch for durability. 

Halloween Cat Bandanas_2 Halloween Cat Bandanas_8 Halloween Cat Bandanas_1

You now have an adorably spooky Cat Bandana to dress your cat in for the Halloween Season!  

Halloween Cat Bandanas_9

Keep on scrolling to check out some more fun Halloween Prints that are available now in our Fabric Shop. You can order any of these prints on our stock fabrics and create your own custom cat bandana or any Halloween themed DIY project! 

Bone Collector_Sami Sparrow web‘Bone Collector’ by Sami Sparrow

Zombie Ducks_Krystal-Anne Knafl‘Zombie Ducks’ by Krystal-Anne Knafl

Vintage Halloween Masks_Sue Michael‘Vintage Halloween Masks’ by Sue Michael

Emilie Otto_Spooky Ink‘Spooky Ink’ by Emilie Otto

Crows_Carly Westbye‘Crows’ by Carly Westbye

Crows Gathering_Carly Westbye‘Crows Gathering’ by Carly Westbye

SPOOKY SKULLS_IANNY BASTOS‘Spooky Skulls’ by Ianny Bastos

SKULLS AND ROSES_IANNY BASTOS‘Skulls and Roses’ by Ianny Bastos

MONOCHROMATIC SKULLS_IANNY BASTOS‘Monochromatic Skulls’ by Ianny Bastos

Spooky Costume Cats_Ella Mackay‘Spooky Costume Cats’ by Ella Mackay

Spooktacular Halloween_Ella Mackay‘Spooktacular Halloween’ by Ella Mackay

Coffee Monsters Messy - Blue‘Coffee Monsters’ by Louise Addison

Emilie Otto – The Designer Project

We have absolutely loved sharing these fun loving designs by creative Emilie Otto and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! To coincide with Emilie’s ‘Life of the Party’ collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind creative process and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Emilie Otto and her unique design process! 

Emilie Otto 10‘Emilie Otto’

Hi, I’m Emilie Otto (aka Em). 

Let’s get creative friends, I’m so excited to share these fun filled fabric prints with you all! It has been one of my wildest dreams since I can remember to create bold, eccentric and joy filled designs to inspire people to create and feel authentically themselves. I am never someone who likes to blend into a crowd or follow the leader and I wanted these designs to reflect this. 

Emilie Otto 04‘Emilie painting in her studio’

This a slice of my first collection “Life of the Party” an eccentric mix of colourful coordinates. Curated for fun lovers, sun-seekers, and most importantly good times! These designs are created from hand carved stamps, which have been elevated using a variety of digital techniques. The bright colour palettes embody my favourite parts of summer. These designs where made to suit fashion and accessories projects, but the sky’s the limit. 

  Emilie Otto 07‘Carving design stamps’

These designs didn’t come about in a conventional way, in fact it woke me up at 2am! I couldn’t stop thinking about carving little stamps and creating little still life artworks. It all happened within a matter of hours, I was listening to my favourite playlist hand carving wine bottles, crabs, lemons, and a range of flowers. I fell in love instantly and after finishing the carvings I could head back to bed for some more sleep. 

  Emilie Otto 06‘Emilie using her handmade stamps’

Most of the designs are inspired by items I have in my studio, which spark happiness. Items have been collected from thrift stores, gifted, and saved to remind me of special moments. I love bright colours and love high contrast patterns, so these colour combinations feel very true to my style as a designer. 

  Emilie Otto 05‘Emilie painting in her studio’

All of the designs I create are something that I would love wearing, most of the time they don’t start out with a purpose in mind. I focus on enjoying the making process and more often that not they turn into whatever they were meant to be, these stamps started as card designs but evolved into statement fabric designs. 

  Emilie Otto Fabric Design‘Clothing Mockups of Designs’

Here are a few clothing examples that really get me excited, they have an element of comfort, are carefree and also let people’s personalities shine through. Any of the fabrics in this collection would work well on their own, they can also be mixed and match to really turn up the fun. 

  Emilie Otto 01‘Emilie Otto’

My studio space is full of dancing lights, disco balls and prims hanging from the windows along with artwork from other designers who inspire me. It’s a chaotic space, but I always feel so inspired when I sit down at my desk and start painting. 

I hope that these designs bring some energy and fun into your next DIY project. 

Em xo 

 

If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch! 

‘Life of the Party’ Textile Collection by Emilie Otto

We couldn’t be more excited to announce that our next featured artist from The Designer Project will be none other than the amazing Emilie Otto! 

Her ‘Life of the Party’ collection is an eccentric mix of colourful coordinates. Curated for fun lovers, sun-seekers, and most importantly good times! These designs are created from hand carved stamps, which have been elevated using a variety of digital techniques. The bright colour palettes embody the best part of the Australian Summer. 

Keep reading to find out more about Emilie Otto and her fun loving designs! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_play time ocean bluesEmilie Otto - Play Time Ocean Blues - Tote Bag

Play Time Ocean Blues is a feel-good vibrant print, featuring a few items that you would find at a celebration with friends. The colours are inspired by warm sunny days and sparkling blue oceans.    

We think this is the perfect print for some funky swimwear, can’t you picture it as some board-shorts or a bikini? 

custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_picnic rug candyEmilie Otto - Picnic Rug Candy

Picnic Rug Candy is a vibrant gingham print, inspired by picnic catchups with friends. The colours are warm and are like those you can enjoy during a candy-coloured sunset.   

This print would look fantastic for fashion garments and homewares! We love this colourway for a super fun picnic blanket or perhaps a summer dress. 

  custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_picnic rug dawnEmilie Otto - Picnic Rug Dawn

Picnic Rug Dawn is a vibrant gingham print, inspired by picnic catchups with friends. The colours are cool and soft like those you can enjoy during a dreamy early morning.  

Another amazing print for a range of fashion and home and interior projects, think flowing pants or cushions! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_stripey bubblegumEmilie Otto - Stripey Bubblegum

Stripey Bubblegum is a bold geometric print; it is a statement and fun take on traditional tartan. The colour combination is what make this print POP, which was inspired by watermelon flavoured candy.  

This design is perfect for some summer accessories such as bucket hats or tote bags/beach bags! 

  custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_stripey violetEmilie Otto - Stripey Violey - V2

Stripey Violet is a bold geometric print; it is a statement and fun take on traditional tartan. The colour combination is what make this print POP, which was inspired by wildflowers.  

We think this print would work so well for a statement beach towel or even a new onepiece. 

  custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_sunday sesh mintEmilie Otto - Sunday Sesh Mint

Sunday Sesh Mint is a hand carved print inspired by long days in the sun with friends, sipping on your favourite drinks. The colour combination is what make this print POP, which was inspired by Mint & Pink Gin cocktails.  

This design is so perfect for beachy/pool attire, think a loose over shirt with matching shorts! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_emilie otto_sunday sesh violetEmilie Otto -Sunday Sesh Violet

 

Sunday Sesh Violet is a hand carved print inspired by long days in the sun with friends, sipping on your favourite drinks. The colour combination is what make this print POP, which was inspired by Lemons & blueberries.  

We love this print for a fun kaftan to throw on at the beach!  

 

All of our project ideas above are suggestions only as the sky’s truly the limit with Emilie’s super fun collection! Each of Emilie’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop, so head on over to be inspired for your next DIY project! 

Indie Designers Worth Knowing About

Being in the fabrics manufacturing industry, we are lucky to work closely with some incredible indie designers and brands. Not only do they design beautiful collections, but are closely aligned with our sustainability values as well. Being ‘indie’ categorises independent designers, artists, and craftspeople who design and make a wide array of products − without being part of large, industrialised businesses.  We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Australian indie designers worth knowing about.

tara-whalley australian fashion designer

Tara Whalley Australian Fashion Designer

Tara Whalley an Australian designer with a heavy focus on bold prints (the way to our heart!) In 2020 Australian designer Tara Whalley was invited to premiere her fashion collection at New York Fashion Week, and in 2021 she stole the runway show again at Paris Fashion Week. Tara established her self-titled fashion brand in 2015, after returning to Australia after a year of working with war-affected Mayan weavers. It was this time in Guatemala that formed Tara’s painting practice- translating experience into artwork for fabric print and a clear direction for the basis of her fashion signature style. Her collections are made in Melbourne with natural fibres, digitally printed to reduce environmental impact and utilise offcuts to minimise waste. Her designs are available in sizes XS to 10XLovely and feature Tara’s hand painted artwork.

deadly-denim australian fashion brand

Deadly Denim Australian fashion brand

Deadly Denim is a beloved customer of Digital Fabrics. Sustainability is at the heart of their brand; a natural fit with our ethos and connection to caring for country. Deadly Denim was founded in 2018 by Rebecca Rickard, a Ballardong, Whadjuk woman from the Nyungar nation living and working on country Perth W.A.

It all begins with recycled denim from local Boorloo (Perth, Western Australia) op shops. Then, a Deadly Denim artist creates a unique design that is sent to us at Digital Fabrics to be printed. The artwork is worked into the denim to create a unique Deadly Denim garments.

Frida Las Vegas Photographer Eamon Donnelly

Frida Las Vegas Photographer Eamon Donnelly

Where to begin with fashion icon Frida Las Vegas. Designer Stavroula is a customer of Digital Fabrics, she is a talented illustrator who is fascinated by Australian icons and infuses that with her Greek background. Her iconic haute kitsch label Frida Las Vegas has been worn by incredible personalities such as Katy Perry, Sam Smith and Kate Miller-Heidke as well as her affectionately dubbed ‘Glamazons’ around the world.

Variety Hour Australian fashion brand

Variety Hour Australian fashion brand

Variety Hour is a Melbourne based design studio started by textile designer Cassie Byrnes in 2016. At its core they remain a textile focused studio, exploring the technicalities and craft of print design and using Digital Fabrics products as the canvas. All their prints are hand painted by Cassie using gouache, inks and markers which are then digitised and adapted into artworks, homewares and clothing designed with flattering shapes in mind, focusing on the stunning prints.

At Digital Fabrics, we love supporting Australian designers in their quest for a more sustainable world of fashion, and of course bold prints that are to die for. Custom printing designs onto our fabric ensures an angle of individuality, and less harm to the planet with our low minimum order requirements. We can’t wait to see what you’ll design!

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 3

Madeline Hawkins – The Designer Project

It’s been such a treat sharing these wonderfully sweet designs by illustrator and pattern designer Madeline Hawkins. We hope that you’ve enjoyed all of her amazing prints as much as we have!  

To coincide with Madeline’s Scenes from a Daydream’ collection being made available to all of our customers through our Fabric Shop online, the artist herself has put together a guest blog which further explains her one of a kind approach to creating surface patterns and what inspires her work. 

Keep reading to find out more about Madeline Hawkins and her beautiful designs! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 6‘Madeline Hawkins’

Heya! I’m Madeline, Artist behind Wilder Studio. I create whimsy illustrations, from which I design into repeat patterns for textiles. I work from my home studio based in Murwillumbah, NSW – a beautiful, creative and vibrant town where my little family and I reside. I have lived and breathed drawing since I could hold a pencil and have in recent years found a love of home textiles. When I put two and two together and began teaching myself online, I knew I had found where I wanted to play – textile pattern design! 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 5‘Madeline Hawkins in her studio’

 I’m super excited to have an array of Wilder Studio repeat patterns available here at Digital Fabrics. This collection of handcrafted, stand-alone patterns speaks of romance, femininity, nostalgia and wonder. Inspired by the likes of Lewis Carrolls ‘Alice in Wonderland’, these patterns are an ode to day-dreaming. 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 3‘Madeline creating in her studio’

An ideal start to a morning in the studio consists of music, a brew and a little playtime- sketching or painting anything that comes to mind with no pressure to turn it into anything. Then I’ll get stuck into whatever I have on the to-do list. 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 4‘Madeline working on original paintings’

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 1‘Madeline colour matching her design’

When designing a repeat pattern for a client, I generally write down a bunch of descriptive words of what the general feel is I’m wanting to create, and a rough description of the colours, layout and orientation and any other parameters the brief has set. I then have a little rough sketch of motif ideas. Sometimes these may be used in the final design, otherwise they are set aside with the rest of my notes for when I begin illustrating. I love using watercolors and gouache for romantic florals, but I’m most fond of inkline pens, poscas and pencils for whimsy, detailed illustration. 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 7‘Close up of Madeline’s studio’

I love watching my illustrations come to life on fabric and seeing others make something with a piece of my imagination. It’s really a collaboration with other creatives. I think there’s the most magic in collaboration. The coming togetherness of it. Expressing ourselves and inspiring others to do the same. A ripple effect of creativity. It brings me deep joy as I hope my prints inspire joy in others. 

designer fabric_custom fabric_designer project_madeline hawkins 8‘Madeline’s studio’

If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_juni bloom 1

‘Scenes from a Daydream’ Textile Collection by Madeline Hawkins

It’s come that time again to introduce our newest featured artist of The Designer Project for the month of August! Introducing the wonderful talented Madeline Hawkins.

Madeline is an illustrator, pattern designer and artist living on Bundjalung country, creating from her home studio. This collection of handcrafted, stand-alone patterns speak of romance, femininity, nostalgia and wonder. Inspired by the likes of Lewis Carrolls ‘Alice in Wonderland’, these patterns are an ode to day-dreaming. 

Each of Madeline’s beautiful designs can be printed onto any of our fabrics, which means you can order custom designer fabric that’s tailored to you. Keep reading to find out more about Madeline Hawkins and her ‘Scenes from a Daydream’ collection!

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_sadie haze 1

Pink Gin at golden hour! ‘Sadie Haze’ shows off her neon water colour petals against and delicious honeycomb backdrop. 

‘Sadie Haze’ is a fantastic print for some luxurious pyjamas and hair accessories like scrunchies! 

  custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_posie pink 1

‘Posie Pink’ is ultra feminine and super sweet. This tossed print sends dainty floral motifs in various directions and speaks of an old fashioned romance.  

We think ‘Posie Pink’ is a great print to use for soft accessories and baby clothes. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_posie picnic 1

‘Posie Picnic’ is a fun take on her sister – ‘Posie Pink’. Sporting a gingham backdrop and sending her dainty floral motifs in various directions. Afternoon picnics were made for her.  

‘Posie Picnic’ is a divine print for any homeware products. We would love to see this on some Tea Towels or even oven mits! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_peggy plaid 1

‘Peggy Plaid’ is a little vintage inspired number with cheerful cheek! She was made for both sophistication and play! A fun plaid with a delicious combination of colours.  

We think ‘Peggie Plaid’ is a great print for a springtime pant suit or perhaps as some statement pillowcases for your bedroom. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_maggie may 1

‘Maggie May’ is all the whimsy, nostalgic thoughts dancing like stardust. Wildly scribbled pansies in vivid green and the yummiest pink make Maggie the dreamer she is. 

‘Maggie May’ is the absolutely perfect choice for spring garments like slip dresses and skirts and accessories such as bandanas 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_lola lilac 1

Dreamy ‘Lola Lilac’ is the lullaby before we slip into dreamland. A ditsy tossed floral number, her combination of soft berry blue and silky lilac tones is oh so flattering.  

‘Lola Lilac’ is a great choice for full piece swimsuits, camisoles and men’s button up shirts. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_juni bloom 1An effervescent, wildly cheerful moment of ‘Juni Bloom’ leaves you radiating for the day. Her clashing colours and large, innocent blooms invite you to play!  

‘Juni Bloom’ is an excellent choice to create show-stopping homewares and fashion pieces! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_julia joy 1‘Julia Joy’ wears large acrylic painted pansies in the most enchanting pastels. She is the dance between soft and bold. The ‘head in the clouds’ type, but sophisticated. She is a joy to gaze at and to get lost in her spectrum of colours.  

We think ‘Julia Joy’ is such a beautiful choice for flowing garments such as maxi dresses, blouses and even some men’s shirts. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_joan meadow 1Let ‘Joan Meadow’ take you on a trip, through boundless fields of wildflowers in the misty spring mornings. Joan knows the way. It’s zero business and all play.  

We would love to see ‘Joan Meadow’ used for spring fashion! We’re thinking flowy dresses and skirts, perhaps some lovely pants! 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_georgie pebble 1

Collecting pebbles creek side in the summer glow of the afternoon, ‘Georgie Pebble’ sports an array of lovely organic shapes. She is joyous, imaginative and her colours reflect the warmth of the incoming sunset. 

We think ‘Georgie Pebble’ would be a gorgeous design to use for swimwear and tea towels. 

custom fabric_designer fabric_madeline hawkins_francess gingham 1

Complete Strawberry Shortcake vibes. ‘Francess gingham’ is a classic gingham with the most sugary sweet colour combo.  

‘Francess Gingham’ is the perfect statement print for playful tableware, bedding and picnic rugs. 

 

All of our project ideas above are suggestions only as the sky’s truly the limit with Madeline’s beautiful ‘Scenes from a Daydream’ collection! Each of Madeline’s designs can be found in our Fabric Shop, so head on over to be inspired for your next DIY project!