Fabric designer Yvonne Porcella visits Carol and gives a mini fashion show of some fabulous clothes made from her handpainted materials. To paint her textiles, Yvonne puts them in a large bowl and dabs on paint until she is satisfied with the results. She leaves the fabric in the bowl to dry, and the effects of gravity eventually leave different color values on the fabric. Using this technique, which is similar to tie-dyeing, Yvonne has transferred interesting patterns and colors to shoes, hand bags, and hair ornaments.
This artist wastes nothing in her work. She uses the water in which the brushes are rinsed to add extra color to her fabrics, and she uses fabric scraps to make decorative gift wrap and ribbon roses.
To undertake this hobby, Yvonne volunteers the following advice: - Use a natural fiber fabric, such as 100-percent silk or cotton.
- Start with the three primary colors and black.
- Use a larger bristle brush when painting on muslin.
- To finish an edge on a fabric, use a flat bristle head brush to paint the fray with iridescent Liquitex fabric paint. After the paint dries, trim off any unraveled threads.
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