The Sewer, the Crafter, the Fabric Maker

Another question people ask me is "How do you stay so trim and beautiful?"  Not really, but they do ask me how we got into printing our own fabric.

Actually, we printed our own fabric for the very first time way back in 2004. That's a sample of the little beauty up above.  (Accountants and Illustrator...)  Any hoo, we were using printed quilting weight cottons for the linings in our purses and we couldn't get enough yardage of any one design.  So, I decided it was time to print our own. I found a small screen printer (may they rest peace) that would print as little as 500 yards.   A great learning experience- the fabric wasn't always printed straight on the grain, we had problems with the inks running and it was relatively expensive.  But it beat the heck out of silk screening by hand.  And it planted the seed of the possibility.

I have an addiction to canvas.  I prefer its weight and texture over quilting weight cotton any day, especially for bags and home dec items..  (Shhhhhh.... don't tell!)   And I certainly can't complain about the variety of quilting weight prints out there today, there is still a void in canvas.  Plus, it was strategic-- I felt I had to offer something different to be competitive.

In 2007 I was reading a little blog called How About Orange.  And my, did Jessica create some great, approachable modern designs.  So I emailed her and asked if she would like to design some fabric.  She replied that she had never done fabric before.  I replied that I hadn't either (not really).  Fortunately, one of my sales reps was very helpful in hooking me up with the manufacturer to get custom runs of yardage done.  And the rest, as they say, is history.  Though I hope there is much more history to be made...

I have to say going to the mill to see the fabric printed is still one of the coolest experiences I have had at jcaroline.  It was awesome.  The process hasn't changed significantly in 100 years and its just plain old down and dirty manufacturing (which I love).  And the difference between waiting for new designs to be released and producing the new designs is awesome.  Isn't it, indie designers?

So Monday, I'll announce the winners of our giveaways and tell you what we hope to do in the next eight years.  Okay, maybe just the next year...

Comments

[Kate K]

I adore the picture of you in your glasses that is above the left column of your blog! It just makes me smile! Thanks for the great behind-the-scenes glimpse.

[Kim]

Yeah, how DO you stay so fit and trim?

[Rhonda]

I'm pretty sure Caroline has a portrait in her closet that is getting older. Allegedly.

[Melody]

Wow, this has been fun. Thanks for the chance to win!

[Live a Colorful Life]

I love learning how you and Jessica connected. Here is a cool tidbit (for me at least....). I am meeting Grandma G on Monday. Love this blogging world!

[min]

And you made a great choice with Jessica...I love that sweet pea design group she made. Her new stuff too!

[Cicada Studio]

Great story!

[Debbie Pearson]

I hope you are going into the Fabric printing business that makes it affordable for us Indie designers to create our own. Maybe wishful thinking but I'd love to get my graphic designs on fabric myself. Seeing you achieve your dream gives me hope.

[Renee H.]

Love your story! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[Mary]

You're not going to believe this, but I was just wondering yesterday about the story of how your "How About Orange" connection came to be! These posts have been so interesting -- best wishes for the next chapter (or continuation of this one, I should say)!

[betz]

Going on strike offs and seeing BIG yardage being printed is such a thrill! I used to do it when I designed for Carters. I loved that gritty manufacturing part too.

[ny custom furniture]

The giveaways are the best [part of the blog participation process...the fabric article is very good.

[Linda]

Just been reading up on your posts of your shop's history. I believe you were the first real quilt shop I purchased fabric from way back in, let's see - 2005 maybe? I was thrilled that you were in TX and the fabric came so quickly. Neat to hear where you came from and where you're going and such a fun read!