How do they do it? Fabric design ...

As you contemplate the huge array of fabrics designed for quilting at our disposal (sometimes overwhelming us for choice), do you ever wonder "how did they think of that?" as a particular design captures your imagination, or "how do they get it on the fabric?"

Have you ever not found what you wanted in a store, and wished you could design your own prints?

Here is is small collection of blogs and websites about how one fabric designer works to produce a fabric collection with a large manufacturing company, and two 'bespoke' fabric designers/printers who use digital technology to print  from their own ranges or from your artwork - fascinating. ANd a forum and blog to provide ongoing online fabric refreshment.

Lotta Jansdotter - illustrated blog post (Bella is Born) about the process of designing her fabric

Fingerprint - UK company that prints fabric digitally (their designs and bespoke).  Two blog posts on their printing process (it's a blog, so they are in reverse order!)

Spoonflower - a US digital printer, allows users to upload their own designs, order digitally printed yardage, and to make their designs available to other users (if they choose to).

True Up  - Kimberley Kight's online fabric design forum, including a blog about fabric design and releases of fabric lines from fabric manufacturers and distributors internationally. Information about Kim's book, A Field Guide to Fabric Design, and excellent links to sources of  modern, vintage and specialist fabrics.