Tag Archives: fabric printing

DIY Halloween Cat Bandanas Tutorial

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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’ by Sami Sparrow

‘Zombie Ducks’ by Krystal-Anne Knafl

‘Vintage Halloween Masks’ by Sue Michael

‘Spooky Ink’ by Emilie Otto

‘Crows’ by Carly Westbye

‘Crows Gathering’ by Carly Westbye

‘Spooky Skulls’ by Ianny Bastos

‘Skulls and Roses’ by Ianny Bastos

‘Monochromatic Skulls’ by Ianny Bastos

‘Spooky Costume Cats’ by Ella Mackay

‘Spooktacular Halloween’ by Ella Mackay

‘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’

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 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.

‘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 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 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.

‘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’

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!

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?

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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 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 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

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 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!

How printing to order helps create planet-friendly fabric

Whenever you choose to order custom fabric through Digital Fabrics instead of a retail store, you reduce fabric waste in the world. The reality is that every year, Australians discard an average of 23kgs of textiles per person. In total, approximately 800,000 tonnes of textiles are sent to Australian landfills each year (and more has been historically sent overseas). This makes Aussies the second highest consumers of textiles behind the United States.

As we are emerging into the new world of social media and the ease of shopping accessibility, micro trends (which typically last 3-5 years) are now playing out in a matter of months.

The rise of fast fashion

Fashion is now the second most polluting industry on the planet – usurped only by oil production. The business of churning out fashion options to hungry consumers who crave the head-spinning speed of trends has a lot to answer for.

When large clothing conglomerates begin a design cycle, they order immense amounts of fabric. If all this fabric is not used, or if the clothing isn’t in demand; it becomes something known as deadstock fabric. Deadstock fabrics remain in the system, generally becoming waste, destined for landfill or incineration; generating greenhouse gases and other toxic emissions.

In 2018, we saw many eyes turn to fashion houses as whistleblowers exposed the burning of perfectly good stock, in order to preserve exclusivity. Fast-fashion giant H&M reportedly destroyed 60 tons of new and unsold merchandise between 2013-2017, a strategy also undertaken by Louis Vuitton, Nike and Burberry.

On top of this issue, according to UN figures, the production of one cotton shirt requires 2700 Litres – the amount a person drinks in 2.5 years! The 2.5 trillion dollar fashion industry is the 2nd highest user of water in the world. These numbers are shocking.

In May 2021 participants from across retail, fashion, charity, production, environment, research and waste management came together for Australia’s first ever National Clothing Textile Waste roundtable, hosted at Parliament House in Canberra.

This roundtable signals the start of a collaborative effort, drawing on a diversity of expertise across Australia to create action to reduce waste from clothing textiles going to landfill. There was a particular focus on increasing the ability to recycle textiles and driving action to improve product stewardship of textile waste. However, this doesn’t address the amount of textiles still being produced at large.

Why Digital Fabrics are doing things better

At Digital Fabrics, we don’t have piles of unsold or unused fabric sitting in the studio destined for landfill once a trend has trickled down to nonexistence. We only ever print-to-order and with low minimum order quantities of as little as 1 metre of fabric or 1 cushion cover this significantly reduces deadstock and wastage.

Sending us your own fabric designs gives you control over what your label, store or DIY project looks like, aligning directly with your style and project requirements. You can also shop directly from our range of designer textile prints which can be custom printed on any of our stocked fabrics.

Order what you need

Everything is printed for you on-site in Marrickville, Sydney and is strictly print ‘on demand’! This means we only use the materials that are completely necessary for each order placed, with minimal waste. We put a lot of effort and time sourcing our fabrics from reliable suppliers who either manufacture their fabrics preferably locally or have long-standing, established relationships with their manufacturers, ensuring the production and supply of high-quality fabrics. Most of our fabrics are from overseas manufacturers and are OEKO certified, which means that the manufacturer meets certain health, safety, environmental, and quality targets.

Whilst we take measures to keep waste to an absolute minimum there is still some waste during any production process. Any left-over unprinted fabric is either re-used by us for samples and strike-off printing, recycled or donated to local makers or craft groups who always have creative ways of repurposing the fabric.

We believe in slow fashion, and believe that we can all do our part to reject fast-fashion practices in favour of more sustainable methods, ethical workplaces, and supporting local makers.

Like the sounds of sustainability? Shop our fabrics now.

To gain some knowledge, research, and write this blog post we’ve used information that we’ve found in the reference links below. We know that you are curious just like us so please feel free to browse these links and learn more about textile waste in the world and its impact.

https://www.planetark.org/newsroom/news/tackling-australias-textile-waste
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgpkKDyPEez/?hl=en
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/product-stewardship/textile-waste-roundtable
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/9/17/17852294/fashion-brands-burning-merchandise-burberry-nike-h-and-m
https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/RCM_Website/RFSD_2018_Side_event_sustainable_fashion.pdf
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/product-stewardship/textile-waste-roundtable

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!

‘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!

‘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.

‘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.

‘Madeline working on original paintings’

‘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.

‘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.

‘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!

‘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!

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!

‘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.

‘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!

‘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.

‘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

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.

An 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!

‘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.

Let ‘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!

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.

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!

The Creative Night -Recap

About a month ago we hosted the Creative Night exhibition in support of The Designer Project to celebrate all of the designers we work with as well as to demonstrate what we do at Digital Fabrics and how you can bring your creative ideas to life through digital printing and design.

We have had a “Design transfer to fabric” demonstration, a gallery display of fabric prints by The Designer Project designers, Fabric headers flip-through station, a “Creative Opportunities” custom products display, complimentary drinks, photos, DJ, and lots more fun.

It was a great pleasure to meet so many wonderful people and creative minds under one roof. Quite frankly it was humbling to see so many people come to support our work, we didn’t anticipate how much interest and love we would receive on the night. Curiosity and appreciation of creative processes and the artistic work of others were simply infectious!

22 Designers were showcased that evening demonstrating the talent and creative possibilities that surface design and digital fabric printing can offer! A huge thank you to all the participating designers and those who came to meet us. A special Thank You goes to Tracy Hall, Marie Schmitt, and Michaela Burgess who took the challenge to create and draw on the spot, demonstrating and sharing their knowledge and processes the night.

And because sometimes pictures speak louder than words, please enjoy this visual recap of our Creative Night! Samee and Wade.

‘Digital Fabrics Team – Group Photo’ ‘Designer Project Designer – Michaela Burgess’ ‘Designer Project Designer – Sarah Ossitt pictured with her design Dance’ ‘Designer Project Designer – Lillie McDonagh pictured with her design Sunshine Confetti’

‘Video recap of the exhibition’

With special credits to our Photographer – Samee Lapham @samsette and Videographer – Wade Van Den Hoek @van.flix of the night, for capturing what a wonderful evening this was.

New Fabric – Cooper

Recently, we’ve been testing some fabulous fabric print bases to hopefully add to our print fabric range! One fabric that we are very excited to introduce is called Cooper. This is a fantastic commercial-grade interior fabric suitable for any creative upholstery or drapery projects.

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

Digital Fabrics_Stock fabrics_custom fabric printing_Cooper

Unprinted Cooper Fabric Print Base showing linen-look texture

Our Cooper is a high-quality, heavyweight 100% Polyester fabric that is both durable and versatile, it has a heavy weight of 380 GSM with a printable width 145 cm. This woven fabric has the most stunning linen-look texture and a vivid white base colour with a slight sheen in the slub texture. The vivid white colour of the fabric insures the strongest colour reproduction of digital designs.

Digital Fabrics_Stock fabrics_custom fabric printing_Cooper 3

Digitally printed Cooper fabric

This fabric has undergone the Martindale Test, which tests the durability and abrasion resistance of the fabric. Test results are given as a score of 1000’s of rubs or cycles, and the higher the number is, the more suitable the fabric is for heavier usage. Cooper fabric went through 50,000 cycles…wow! Meaning it’s a suitable fabric for heavy-duty commercial use, heavy-duty domestic use, and all commercial furniture applications and environments. It is important to note that the rub tests were performed on unprinted fabric.

Digitally printed Cooper fabric samplesAs Cooper is a polyester fabric, it’s easy to care for. Depending on the finished product it can be washed in cool or warm water using a gentle or standard machine cycle. To reduce wrinkles we recommend washing it in a half-loaded washing machine and for drying to air dry or tumble dry on low-temperature settings in a half-loaded machine.

This fabric is easy to work with, non-slippery, and has great movement whilst holding its shape very well. This makes it ideal for upholstery and drapery purposes such as sofas, chairs, throw cushions, table linen, and curtains. It’s also a perfect choice for some small DIY homewares and accessories projects like tote bags, wall hangings, and picnic rugs. We have put together a small collection of reference images to inspire you to create with Cooper fabric.

Colourful cushions. Source.

Bright sofa throw. Source.

Elegant bedhead. Source.

Upholstered dining chairs. Source.

Sample swatches of the Cooper are available through our Sample Pack Order Form in Interior and Super Pack packs on the website. Contact us to find out if this fabric is a suitable option for a textile project you’re working on!

Brianna Pawlik – The Designer Project

We have absolutely loved sharing these beautiful designs by designer Brianna Pawlik and hope you’ve loved her designs as much as we have! To coincide with Brianna’s “Sink and Sun” 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 Brianna Pawlik and her stunning designs!

‘Brianna Pawlik’

Hello! I am Brianna, Owner/Surface Pattern Designer of Lulu Pawlik Collections and Mumma of three cheeky cherubs. My nickname is Lulu and my designs are the perfect combination of all things kitsch and coastal. My treasured hand drawn and hand-crafted designs and patterns can be printed on any surface such as beautiful fabrics, clothing, homewares, accessories, stationary, wallpaper, even footwear. They are crafted for beautiful brands and businesses to license and use on their products, to stand out from the crowd and offer something unique for their customers!

‘Brianna’s Studio’

My patterns are playful with a retro vibe and my love for the sea and surf are key elements. I find wonder and inspiration from the ocean and a lifestyle growing up on the east coast of Australia. Family surf holidays and travel adventures run through my designs, in combination with my love for vintage coastal treasures and retro eras.

‘Design sketches’

Before I became a Surface Pattern Designer, I created a women’s clothing label called Miss Lulu which I designed and manufactured myself successfully for many years. After my first baby, I found little to no time to pattern make, source fabric, sample, sew, press and sell my clothing collections. At this new point in my life, homewares and mumma accessories danced around in my mind.

‘Sewing printed Linen Deluxe fabric’

I went on to create a small slow made accessories label, The Sailor Siren & Co. after my second baby which took on a similar design aesthetic to my clothing label. I create retro coastal inspired accessories for mummas and bubs, with natural fibres and sustainability in mind. It was always a struggle to find the fabric prints that I desired for my style and creations. This is what naturally lead me into the world of surface pattern design.

‘Brianna’s workspace’

Now as a busy Mumma of three, I can dream and create beautiful, playful, coastal, kitschy patterns that I want to see in the world and I hope other brands will love too. Lulu Pawlik surface pattern design collections are just for you to purchase and print on your beautiful products for your adoring customers. They are sure to stand out and make a wow statement!

‘Brianna and 2 of her children’

Follow me and my journey on Instagram or get in touch via email to connect about exclusive custom pattern designs or collaborations for your brand or business. I have a beautiful pattern library of ready to go patterns, that are exclusive to your selected product categories and yours forever after purchase.

Here is a little insight into my design process. Each design element or motif begins as individual hand drawn pencil sketches that are then inked in a bold felt tip pen. I also love watercolour paints for a more imperfect playful vibe. My motifs are then scanned and vectorized in Illustrator. Beautiful pattern repeats are then created with intention, time, and magic! Colours will vary depending on the surface and texture of the selected fabric, paper, or product, so test prints and samples are then a must to confirm the final desired looks. As a sewer I like the hands-on feel and authenticity of sewing up my mock-ups for shoots and display.

‘Palm tree illustration’

Want to get your hands on some gorgeous Lulu Pawlik pattern designs printed on your choice of beautiful fabrics?! The Designer Project at Digital Fabrics displays a selected range from my Sink & Sun collection that you can have printed on any fabric you choose, for your own textile products. You can order by the metre to create magic and please share what you make with me!

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