book: color your cloth: guest post + free pattern + giveaway
Color Your Cloth: A Quilter’s Guide to Dyeing and Patterning Fabric
I welcome Malka Dubrawsky, as guest author at whipup, author of Color your cloth, a wonderful new book on dying fabric using wax resist, and using your hand dyed fabric in some fun unique projects.
Hi everyone! That’s me knocking on your computer screen. My name is Malka Dubrawsky and I am so excited to be a guest blogger on Whip up, I’m popping into this space to tell you a little about my new book, Color Your Cloth: A Quilter’s Guide to Dyeing and Patterning Fabric, and to offer you a free pattern as well as an opportunity to win something.
My book is all about dyeing cotton fabric with wax resist or batik. Now, before you say “I’d love to be able to pattern and color the fabric I use in my crafts, but I don’t have the supplies or space for that,” let me assure you that you do. How do I know? Because I do all my dye work out my garage and many of the supplies I use come straight from the grocery store. There are a couple of specialized tools, but, hey, that’s what the Internet is for. Really, the process is simple and fun and yields results that can’t be duplicated in commercial fabric – here are some examples of my recent hand dyed fabric.
[Malka's book features the shoo fly quilt on the cover - don't you love this quilt? the pattern is just one of the many easy patterns available in the book - using your own hand dyed fabric - see pic below. Kath]
There’s something special about sewing with fabric you’ve designed, patterned and dyed. I always get excited about the possibility of sewing something new out of my own fabrics and I wanted to share that excitement with you by offering Whip up readers a new sewing pattern crafted out of some of my hand dyed and patterned cottons.
Inspired by a wonderful knitted scarf I saw on Flickr, I created a fabric version. The original knitted scarf pattern called Baktus is free and offered by the very talented designer Strikkelise. With her permission, I’ve crafted a sewn version and am sharing it with you.
I’ve put together step-by-step, illustrated instructions for drafting a simple paper pattern and sewing your own fabric baktus. That way we can all get in on the fun of sewing baktuses (bakti?). Download the PDF for the Baktus scarf pattern HERE.
Since I’m on a bit of a sharing roll, I’m also giving away a copy of Color Your Cloth: A Quilter’s Guide to Dyeing and Patterning Fabric to one Whipup reader. Just leave a comment and you’ll be entered into the drawing for the book [comments open for 48 hours - now closed thank you to those who entered, winner will be contacted]
Thanks for letting me visit here on Whipup.net.
[Thank you Malka - always a pleasure working with you - good luck on your next venture].
January 19th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
This is SO cool!! Using stuff from the grocery store? Very exciting!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
this book look amazing! very exciting to discover a little bit more! good luck to everyone!! :D
January 19th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I love the book, your blog, and the fact that I can win the book is great!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Oohhh, thank you so much for sharing your pattern, I can’t wait to get my hands on your book!! (crosses fingers)
January 19th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
I’m a newbie to quilting and the more I’ve been learning, I realise the more I need to learn how to do – where does all the time in the day go?!! Thanks for all the great pointers ladies :)
January 19th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
I think I could do this! I’d love to make a quilt out of my very own dyed fabrics. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
I have been really interested in this book and looking for it everytime I go to a bookstore. So far no luck,
and I have no idea what the book is like inside. Very curious! Hope I will win for a change!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
I am a big fan of your work and would love to win a copy of your book. Thanks for the interesting comments!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
I’ve had this book in my wishlist ever since it showed up on Amazon. So many great ideas!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
My mom and I were just talking about wanting to try dying fabric. She helped me pick out some fabric that would be interesting to try dying. I didn’t realize you could do it with just material easily available at a grocery store. This sounds intriguing. I especially like the fabric in the Shoo-Fly quilt.
January 19th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Thank you SO much for sharing this book. I bought an old book on batik years ago and have been meaning to try it – - these photos are so inspiring!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
what beautiful bright colors! this book looks incredible :)
January 19th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Oooh, those are SO gorgeous! the only time I’ve dyed fabric was in art class in grade eight – and it was tie-dye! :D
January 19th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Wow….What a fabulous book…I would love to make my own hand dyed fabric. sign me up!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Ive been drooling over this book for a while now. I really want to learn about different dye methods, it all seems very mysterious right now
January 19th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Whew hew, great give away. Please include me, thank you!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
OMG.. thank you so much for sharing the pattern! Would love to win your book… fingers crossed!! :)
January 19th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
your gorgeous cover quilt is my to-do-list. and a sincere thank you for making the Baktus pattern available to a fabric-loving-knitter.
January 19th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
That quilt is gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to get the book :)
January 19th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Your book looks so full of inspiration and individuality, I’d love to get my hands on a copy! Not sure if it’s available here in the UK…
January 19th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
wow- what beautiful patterns! I love batik and would love to learn a do-it-yourself technique from this book!
January 19th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Your book looks wonderful! I would love to learn to design my own patterns and colorways for fabrics.
January 19th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Gorgeous! I was dubious at first if this was something I could add to my crafty repertoire. But after seeing your beautiful examples I really want to do this!
January 19th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
What a wonderful looking book! I have dyed fabric for quilting before, but it was very basic. Would love to find out how to include patterns.
January 19th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
I can’t wait to get this book! All the fabrics are so bright and colorful – very inspiring!
January 19th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Beautiful fabrics! I’m definitely intrigued.
January 19th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
WOW! I am a member of an “old school” quilt guild. So, these fabrics would NEVER be appreciated by my group. But, I find these fabrics to be… oh so lovely. I hope to get a copy of your book and try a few ideas.
January 19th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
I would love your book. It is on my wish list.
Have a great week!
January 19th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
I’ve enjoyed the blog ‘a stitch in dye’ for some time now and love love love the colour combos and patterns that Malka creates.
January 19th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Ooh! This may be what I’ve been waiting for to make throw pillows for our living room. Love the idea of hand dyed fabrics for our space!
January 19th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Such gorgeous fabrics! The book looks amazing and seems so interesting! I need to learn how to do this!!
January 19th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Malka’s fabric is oh so beautiful I would love to try dying some of my own, but… I need her book. And…by the way the scarf is a big hit too maybe I’ll whip some up for next Christmas.
Peggy
January 19th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Oh man, I have a TON of old wine corks I could use for stamps. And even some PFD fabric around here somewhere. I’d love to have this book!
January 19th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
This book looks amazing!!
January 19th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Love everything you do, Malka! I am working on a knitted scarf, but then want to try your Baktus—the knitted & cloth versions. Your fabrics are so inspirational.
January 19th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Thanks for the great tutorial. I dabbled with a little bit of batik in my High School Indonesian class, and would love to check out this book!
January 19th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
You make it look so easy. Such beautiful colors. You have inspired me and now I want to try it too. I think I really need your book!
January 19th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Thanks for the great scarf tutorial! I,ve been a great fan of Malka’s. Her fabric & quilts are to die for!
January 19th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
I love your blog, your fabric, your work and would love to have a copy of your new book! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win it.
January 19th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
free pattern AND and book giveaway? What’s not to love?
January 19th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Your book looks wicked inspiring. Thanks for the giveaway!
January 19th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
The fabric photos in this post are fantastic, Malka. Thanks for counting me in for the drawing of your book.
January 19th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
I really hope I win this book! I love how all your quilts look!
January 19th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
yay! This book looks wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway!
January 19th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
I would love to learn how to dye my own fabric especially if they could be as richly colored as the fabrics featured in this post! I plan to move soon as part of a major life transition. Dyeing my own fabric would make my sewing projects for my new space so much more uniquely “me!”
January 19th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Thanks so much for the pattern! I love your quilts in Quilts, Baby! and this book looks wonderful! Thank you for the chance at the giveaway.
January 19th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
I have your book and love it! But would love to give my sis a copy too so if I get picked I could definitely use the book.
Still am curious how you clean the wax off the tjais (did I spell that correctly) and other items. You probably just toss the cardboard pieces?
January 19th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
oo yes pleeeeease!
January 20th, 2010 at 12:44 am
One of the things I must learn how to do is dye and create my own patterns on fabrics. I would love to win this book, but even if I don’t, I’ll probably buy it.
January 20th, 2010 at 1:16 am
Oh, another chance for your book. Would be great :-)
I like your colors.
January 20th, 2010 at 1:53 am
Every time I see something from this book, I get more and more excited about it.
January 20th, 2010 at 1:53 am
What a great idea to interpret a knitting design you like using fabric instead.
I swear I have said ‘“I’d love to be able to pattern and color the fabric I use in my crafts, but I don’t have the supplies or space for that,”’ almost word for word :)
January 20th, 2010 at 2:39 am
What a fabulous book…I would love to make my own hand dyed fabric with it.Thanks for the giveaway.
January 20th, 2010 at 3:27 am
Those are great looking hand-dyes!
January 20th, 2010 at 3:28 am
I love Malka´s work! Her fabrics are so fresh and personal and different from batik work you usually see. If I don’t win the book I think I’ll have to buy it, I would love to try wax batik at the Summer house next Summer!
January 20th, 2010 at 3:56 am
What a great giveaway! I love your book and the fabrics. And I will try the scarf, thank you for the pattern.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:13 am
Wow, I’d love to learn to do batik. I’ve done marbelizing and dyeing/painting. Love your graphic designs! It would be wonderful to win your book!
January 20th, 2010 at 4:55 am
malka is so inspiring!
January 20th, 2010 at 5:32 am
would love to win your book,sure id love it as much as your fabric,thank you for the pattern!
January 20th, 2010 at 5:43 am
oooh do LOVE fabric
January 20th, 2010 at 5:54 am
I love Malka’s work and would love to have a copy of her book.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:38 am
That book looks really really interesting. Love the scarf project too. Fingers tightly crossed I’m a winner!
January 20th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Love your colors…
January 20th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Good luck and thanks!
January 20th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Ooooh! Pick me please! I’d love to try the projects in this book!
January 20th, 2010 at 8:09 am
Such vibrant colours and terrific designs on the fabrics. Thanks for the opportunity.
January 20th, 2010 at 8:32 am
I love this book and all of Malka’s designs – so fresh and inspiring!!
January 20th, 2010 at 8:34 am
Thank you for the pattern and the giveaway. I need to make a scarf for this Friday so I will have to get downloading! I have done hand dyeing, but I would love the book to help me get those intense colors your fabric has. I have lots of questions about that – is it the fabric you use, the quantity of dye, the amount of water mixed with the dye, the application process?
January 20th, 2010 at 8:45 am
Hi, Malka…you look good in the Whipup space, as does your book. I would love to win it. And, can’t wait to get the free scarf pattern. Great work you do.
January 20th, 2010 at 8:48 am
The things you do are amazing, and I’d like to learn how! I’ve dyed a lot of yarn, but haven’t done much fabric yet. I need to get some white fabric and just have at it!
January 20th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Fabulosity! Malka, thanks for sharing your gifts so generously – your eye for color and pattern makes my heart sing… Please count me in for a chance to win your amazing book.
January 20th, 2010 at 9:09 am
Thanks for the opportunity – I would LOVE to win!!
January 20th, 2010 at 9:27 am
As a dyer of yarn and beginning sewer/quilter, I’m very interested in your book. I read your beautiful blog regularly and the bright colors always lift my day!
January 20th, 2010 at 9:55 am
I took a tie dye and batik class in college–I fell in love with batik. It would be awesome to learn some new techniques!
January 20th, 2010 at 10:06 am
ooooh, I’d love to win your book, is it signed? then I could pass on my copy which arrived last week, to another deserving person. I would urge anyone to buy it, it’s a lovely read and a feast for the eyes. The scarf is wonderful, can’t wait to make one.
January 20th, 2010 at 10:26 am
such a great giveaway! I love this concept and would really love to learn how to do this at home! Thank you!
January 20th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Crafting books,oh I love them all.
January 20th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Love the dotted and circular patterns!!!
January 20th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I would love this book! Thank you for offering it!
January 20th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I love anything that Malka does. I have yet to purchase her book, maybe i won’t have to if I can win one!!! i love to read her blog to see what she is up to.
January 20th, 2010 at 11:38 am
What a great way to learn how to alter upcycled fabrics!! Thanks for the giveaway.
January 20th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Very cool. I love the idea of dying my own and then sewing cute little dresses for my daughter!
January 20th, 2010 at 11:53 am
My partner and I have been wanting to get into dyeing for several years. This book might be the kick in the pants we need to do it!
January 20th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Sounds like a terrific book!
January 20th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
That Shoo Fly quilt could brighten up ant room! Love your choice of colors. Would love a chance to win your book.
January 20th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I would love this book! Thanks for the nice giveaway!! :)
January 20th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
The book looks fabulous!
January 20th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I’ve always wanted to dye fabrics but have been put off by the supplies, space, etc. I didn’t realize that Malka dyes all of her fabric creations in her garage using easily obtainable ingredients. Fantastic!
January 20th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Oh wow looks like fun. I love plain muslin fabric and besides pleating I can now add color. Thanks
January 20th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
How I would love to have a copy of that glorious book! Thanks for the pattern and instructions :-).
January 20th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
My mom used to batik when I was really little. I’d love to learn how to dye my own fabrics to use in my projects. Your quilt is gorgeous!
January 20th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Your fabrics are gorgeous, and I have been thinking of learning how to create my own. Now if only I had a garage… ;-)
January 20th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
I would love your Book!
I hope to learn how to dye my own fabrics for quilting!
January 20th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Cute scarf! This looks like an inspiring book! I hope I win.
January 20th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I love my Baktus. It would be great to learn how to dye a cotton version for summer.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
wow – great scarf and giveway…
would love to win!
January 20th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
i’m on vacation and showing my friend the blogs i like -
saw this giveway! We’d both like to win!
January 20th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
wrote a comment -
think it got lost in cyberspace
so i’ll try again . . .
i’d love to win this wonderful giveaway!
January 20th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Love the look! Such an interesting way to jazz up fabric/ make your own designs. Thanks for the giveaway.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
would love to see that book. love following her blog and all her ideas.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Love your fabrics+
and LOVE your book!!
January 20th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
wow, this is incredible! thanks for the giveaway op!
January 20th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
what a great book, I hope I win!
January 20th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Oh, pick me! I think this is the third time I have tried to win this book. And I tried to get my husband to buy it for me for Christmas. Hopefully my luck has turned now!
January 20th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
would LOVE it! looks amazing. Thanks for the op x
January 20th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Awesome colors and patterns!!! I’d love to win!
January 20th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Looks like so much fun. I just tried dyeing for the first time over the weekend. Thanks for the chance to win your book
January 20th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
your creations are fantastic. Would love to get inspiration from the book
January 20th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
That quilt is so fantastic! Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!
January 20th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
I began dyeing my own fabric last summer and have really enjoyed the process. Can’t wait for warmer weather to come. I’d love to win your book—read your blog daily.
January 20th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
love it love it love it! Hope to get the book and go to town dying!
January 20th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
What a great idea to adapt the pattern for sewing! Whether I manage to dye or not, I love this idea (I am so not a knitter.)
January 20th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
My mother is a beautiful quilter but very much of the traditional school. I love the really fresh modern look that you have created and would love to give it a go. Thank you.
January 20th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
This is wonderful! Could always learn something new. Thanks for the giveaway.
January 20th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Ooooh, I would love to have a copy of your book! I’ve been quilting for years, and have just about convinced myself to try fabric dyeing. Thanks!
January 20th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Thanks for the Baktus scarf idea. Have seen the knit one (love it!) and hadn’t thought to do a fabric one! Would love to win a copy of your book (and I enjoy your “real” blog all the time!).
January 20th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Neat! I’d love to learn more about dyeing fabric. The few attempts I’ve made haven’t been too good!
January 21st, 2010 at 12:41 am
My first comment on a giveaway. I am so in love with this look. Would be thrilled to win the book.
January 21st, 2010 at 4:45 am
This looks great! My mum did batik ‘way back in the 70′s, I wonder if she still has any books or resources? I would be so keen to do this!
January 21st, 2010 at 9:16 am
I would love your book! I saw you on QA and am very much planning to try your technique that you showed there! I, needless to say, have lots of fabrics that could use a new personality! Hope you pick me!
January 21st, 2010 at 10:27 am
OOOOh, what a fantastic book. Thanks for the pattern as well!
January 21st, 2010 at 11:31 am
Would love to win a copy of your book !
Beautiful fabric & photos…thanks for
the Baktus fabric version !
January 21st, 2010 at 11:53 am
I would love to win your book. It still looks too good not to be incredibly complicated, but I am (ever so) willing to be convinced otherwise. Thanks for the pattern, and the chance!
January 21st, 2010 at 12:18 pm
malka always inspires me to create beautiful things. love it all!
January 21st, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I have looked at the knitted baktus pattern many times – great idea for a sewn one. The book absolutely intrigues me – many is the time I have not bought fabric because it didn’t “look like the picture in my head”. Creating my own would solve that problem, right?
January 21st, 2010 at 1:28 pm
An exciting book! Those pictures are inspiring me with their colours.
January 21st, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Dyeing fabric is something I have been wanting to try for a really long time. Lately it seems to be everywhere I look. I think this is a sign that I NEED this book. :)
January 21st, 2010 at 3:39 pm
really? i could do this… i’ve been dreaming of dyeing this certain fabric that i have. my little boy loves bright colors, and nothing i find really matches what i have in my mind’s eye. maybe this will be the solution!
thanks!
January 21st, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Thank you, Malka! I love your work and your words… your blog is great and always an inspiration.
January 21st, 2010 at 5:10 pm
This looks beautiful — I’d love to try it.
January 21st, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Thanks for the pattern, the chance to win this amazing book and for all of the inspiration!
January 21st, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I love your fabric and quilts!
January 21st, 2010 at 11:00 pm
I’ve been following your blog for some time now and loving it. Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing your wonderful eye and imagination with us.
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:12 am
I’ve been hearing a lot about your book. I’d lobe to have my own copy !
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:20 am
amazing patterns, would like to try it myself, too!
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:05 am
what wonderfully fresh fabrics. love ‘em!
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:10 am
What i like about the book is that you offer different ways to get the fabric or design we have in our minds and most of the times we cant find in any store :)
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:30 am
Can I still comment to win? This sounds so neat!
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Love it! Would be great to win this book!
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:37 am
I enjoy reading your blog and seeing all the beautiful things you make. Your quilting is amazing. Can’t wait to see your book.
January 23rd, 2010 at 3:18 am
The book looks very interesting–I’ll definitely be checking it out (whether I win or not, but winning would be wonderful!) I have yarn in hand with plans to knit the Baktus scarf. I love your fabric version.