Every designer knows that disappointed feeling when you have this clear idea in your head but can’t find the resources to create it. Sure you could make it from the ground up but sometimes it’s not worth the aggravation, time, or money. For me, this pertained to black stretch fabric with flames on it. Sounds simple, but I’m here to tell you the options out there are limited. Most flames didn’t have the look I wanted or weren’t on a stretch fabric.

So now what??? Do I paint the flames myself? Create the flames with other fabric? Get fabric custom printed? All that sounds very time consuming and possibly expensive. 

Instead I started shopping for clothing with the design I wanted already on it. 

I first started with searches like “stretch flame dress” and “flame bodycon dress”. I knew I wanted a length of fabric without any seams that would interrupt the pattern, like the front or back of a skirt.

So what options are there for when you can’t find the fabric you have envisioned is right for your project?

• Shop clothing for the pattern, color, or texture you’re looking for

  • Try to buy the largest size possible to give yourself the most fabric

• Shop home decor stores for the pattern, color, or texture

  • Remember when the costume designer for Game of Thrones used IKEA rugs?!?

• Shop thrift stores for curtains and sheets

  • Sheets and curtains have a lot of yardage and thrift stores are a great place for vintage patterns

• Hand paint custom design on your fabric with fabric paint of dye

  • More time consuming but often worth the effort.

• Embroider your design on your fabric

  • If you have this capability, this is a great way to create a unique piece

• Use trim to create a design on your fabric

  • Trim is a great way to add both design and texture 

• Source out local printers who can print on fabric   

  • Sometimes getting your design custom printed is worth the investment!

The biggest advice? Think outside the box. It’s amazing how many resources are available to us when we widen our scope.

Stay Creative!

Annie