The Final Weeks of Fabric Design ClassIn the final weeks of fabric design class we learned some new techniques. First, how to use a ruling pen – a wonderful instrument used by people who do non-computerized drafting. If you like to paint, then you should find one of these pens – you can mix up your own colors, and with a brush, you fill the adjustable tip with several drops of paint. I had a hard time finding one, but here's what they look like: 
You can use the adjustment screw to draw different thicknesses of lines. Very straight lines! It was fun to play with – here’s my line pattern using the pen. 
Next, we learned about ditzy prints. These are tiny, flowery or natural prints with randomly scattered objects over the surface of the page. They look like calico prints to me, although one of my classmates painted bees. My biggest problem with this assignment was that we were told to paint our background first. It was so hard to get the paint even (maybe if I had a miniature roller?). I am pleased with the results - sort of like a quilting print. 
Why not just use a computer to design?I just can’t imagine why an artist would spend the time and money to paint big sheets of paper, when the computer can give you any color you want. And for that matter, why would a designer spend all this time and money trying to duplicate a design by hand, when computers will duplicate a design, precisely, and it only takes a click.I was telling my oldest daughter about how my “dream” to learn fabric design was just plain hard work, and I only had one design I really liked, so far. I told her that painting is messy, time consuming, expensive, and I wanted to learn how to design on my computer. And then, she told me about a website where I could have my favorite fabric design printed up on fabric. I only needed to download a digital picture of my design. And the fabrics that other people had designed can be ordered too. I immediately decided to say goodbye to the paints, and learn fabric design by computer. There are probably several good programs that let you design, do repeats, and create wonderful patterns. I was relieved, and several weeks later, I don’t miss class (or the drive) at all!
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