Haplessly Crafty: Block Printing

A few samples of historically recreated printed textiles using modern materials. The folded squares at the front are handkerchiefs. Designs and printing influenced by 18th century originals,  by RL Fifield, 2013.

I’m having some fun with block printing textiles recently. I’ve been experiencing a “sewing block” so I’ve moved on to playing with acrylic screen printing ink, foam brayers, and lino gouges. Nothing like getting out the stresses of the work day with a gouge in your hand. In recreating some of these textiles, I’ve realized the overall visual impact they must have had. For instance, the “shell pattern” at the right in the adjacent photo looks like scales. The patterns of printed textiles, mixed with the stripes, checks, and varying colors of the working woman’s wardrobe, contributed to the overall visually intense appearance.

It was a way of getting noticed, on a budget.

#blockprinting #dresshistory #textilehistory