I started following Malka Dubrawsky's blog, A Stitch In Dye, after I happened upon a photo of this quilt on her flickr stream. At first glance, I gasped. The colors are so vivid and the pattern is so interesting – there was nothing about this quilt that I didn't like. After a moment or two of gazing, a few of those fabrics looked familiar. Upon closer inspection, I realized that she didn't piece those circles into those squares. The fabrics were dyed! A whole world of possibility opened before my eyes. Dyeing printed fabric? Wow.
How did she do it? Well now I know, and so can you. Malka's new book, Color Your Cloth, A Quilter's Guide to Dyeing and Patterning Fabric arrived on my doorstep a few weeks ago. In the first part of the book, Malka explains in depth the how's and the why's to wax resist and over-dyeing fabric. In the second part, she shares directions for projects that she has made with fabric she had dyed and patterned herself. And her fabric is fantastic – crisp, bold colors that really pop and make me want to run out and buy dyes and experiment a little myself. If only the holidays weren't right around the corner.
Lucky enough for me, Malka sent me a stack of her hand dyed and hand patterned fabrics to play around with. I knew instantly that I wanted to combine the prints with something neutral so they could really sing. I grabbed some linen, my ruler and rotary cutter and got to work. More than a hundred triangles later, I started sewing.
I went with a zig zag pattern that I sewed to a rectangle of linen to make placemats. I used solid linen on the back and cotton batting in my quilt sandwich. I sewed the three layers together leaving an opening and then flipped it right side out then quilted it. I love the way the crisp cotton contrasts with the soft linen. The colors stand out against the neutral ground and the piecing takes a pattern that was already interesting and adds another dimension to it. And the finished placemats look great on my table.
I highly recommend Malka's book if you are looking for more information on dyeing and patterning fabric or if you just want a good dose of inspiration. The sewing projects include small items like coasters and totes and larger endeavors like quilts. Malka has an etsy shop where she sells her fabrics and sewn items. Her book can be purchased from etsy as well or on Amazon.
Malka has generously offered a copy of her book to one of my readers. If you'd like a chance of winning, please leave a comment on this post before Friday, November 20th at 12:00 p.m. EST. I will use the random number generator to pick a winner. Good luck!
I’d love a chance to win this great looking book!
It sounds fascinating, oh if only there were more hours in a day.
I’d love a chance to win. Looks like it has some great projects to help get through a gray winter!
I loved Malka’s work for a while now, since I first purchased a fabulous pillow from her. That got me going with the sewing and quilting.
I can’t wait to have her book! Maybe I get picked by Mr. Random this time…
That book looks fantastic! I love the placemats you made.
Making my own batik fabric sounds like such fun.
Would love to own this book, thanks for the chance, and for opening my eyes!
What a lovely looking book and I can always use a dose of inspiration! Thanks for the chance to win it.
Your placemats are absolutely beautiful. I too love Malka’s designs and got her book a few weeks ago. Its so well written and the instructions so clear. I read it front to back the first night! I can’t wait to try my own.
Thanks for a great giveaway. I never been brave enough to attempt dyeing fabric but it is something I have always wanted to try 😉
Bel x
Great-looking is right–what fun!
wow!! I’ve been looking at her pictures, her work is amazing. Those placemats are beautifu!! If I don’t get it in your giveaway I’ll definitely added to my wish list.
I would love to win this book, if only to gaze in awe at the eye candy inside! 😉
I love your place mats
I’m just DYING to start quilting. I don’t have a space for myself right now but I’m hoping after the holidays to fine a nitch in my house to carve out a sewing corner.
the book looks REAllY GREAT! i would LOVE to win
Looks like a wonderful book! I love your placemats, too 🙂
i want! i need! thanks for the giveaway!
This book looks amazing….I love it. Thanks Erin 🙂
Wow! What a creative variation to “regular” fabric. Your placemats look great!
OOOh – that concept really opens up the fabric possibilities!
Ohhh! That quilt is really interesting, I would love to read that book. Those placemats are beautiful!
yes please! and i love your pretty new placemats. happy thanksgiving!
That looks like a great book. I love your placemats and the way you imitated the zigzag with your quilting.
the placemats look fabulous! you rock.
I’d love a chance to win. Pick me! I think this is going on my christmas wishlist just in case I don’t win. 😉
What awesome placemats! I would love to win the book!
Oh how exciting, and what a great book! I need that, please include me in your drawing.
Wow, amazing! Thank you both for the generous offer!
This whole process is very intriguing to me…and I love that circle quilt of hers, as well. thanks for the post. a lot of people are posting about her book and it’s making me more and more curious!
oh you’re right, if only the holidays weren’t right around the corner. But looks like great winter project inspiration! lovely work erin!
I hope to win… I got to do wax resist my senior year of high school and it was so fun! Thanks Erin for another great give-away.
That books looks like a winner for sure–perfect to fill my crafty days during the winter! I do love your placemats!
Her fabric’s are amazing!!! I would love a chance to win this book and attempt to create some cloth beauties.
drooling….. just think of the wonderful clothes you could make for children with that kind of cloth!
love the fabrics and the project you did.
i’m speechless otherwise.
Thanks for the opportunity to win
The fabric is gorgeous! I would love a chance to win a copy of her book. Thank you for this opportunity!
Do I dare try this?!! I think I can!
Wow, how inspiring! I’d love to win this book and get to craftin’. Thanks!!
Jenny
Oh, wow, gorgeous! Those fabrics on your placemats really pop! Thanks for introducing me to Malka and her new book.
Ive had a fasination with batiks and hand dyed fabrics for awhile now, this book looks amazing!
omg I have so been wanting this book and have it on my Christmas list. I have admired her fabrics for a long time as well. Would scream like crazy if this arrived on my doorstep!! 🙂
Thank you so much for a chance to win…love your blog and the inspiration it provides…
Very pretty, Erin! Love the linen with the bright print.
Love the linen/print together!! Such a great way to dress up a solid!
Your placemats look great!
I would love a chance.
[email protected]
Sign me up!
Oh my. I would love to learn more about this process. Thanks!
Beautiful placemats! And what an inspiring sounding book!
I would love a chance to win the book! it looks awesome!
~candace
Looks like a lot of inspiration to be found in that book!
That is stunning! Pick Me!
i’m in on this contest!
Looks like lots of eye candy. thanks for the chance to win!
I Love colour & am dye-ing for a copy of this book!
Please Please pick me!
I am picturing the parcel on my doorstep right now!
Cheers
I too follow Malka’s blog and drool at her wonderful fabric..could I do something so wonderful ?? I don;t know but I’d love the book to have a resource to refer too. I love your blog too Erin and envy your sense of style. If I even have one it would be “Waht evah” as in whatever is clean I’ll wear, whatever is in the fridge/freezer we’ll eat, whatever fits that funny wall space we’ll put there you get the idea. Thanks for the chance to win ERin.
Ann
This would be a great Christmas gift.
What a wonderful looking book. Those placemats are so sweet.
excellent placemats, erin! i’ve been dreaming of exploring batik recently, so i especially love that there’s a new book about this old technique!
This looks like a lot of fun!
This looks like a wonderful book and something I’ve been wanting to try for awhile. I love Malka’s designs! Good to find your blog as well! Jamie V in MT
[email protected]
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
Her work is amazing–truly inspirational.
great place mats! i love them! I would love a chance to win the book!
Love the fabric – will have to try it!
I love you placemats—so simple yet so creative. Would love to read that book!
Wow–you have a nice site and I thank Malka for referring us to your site. Would love her book which is on my wish list. And your placemats gave me an idea for some fabric I have on my work table so I also thank you.
Yes, yes, yes! I’d desperately love to win this book! It is such eye candy!
Sarah @ http://comeandseetheseitz.com
I would love to win this book. I’ve been getting more and more interested in dying fabric. I like your placemats. Linen is one of my favorite fabrics for almost anything.
Oh yes, count me in! I’m just itching to get my hands on a copy of that book… And a long overdue thanks for your Packing List, which I found and saved courtesy of SouleMama – what a handy tool!
Love what you’ve done with Malka’s fabrics.
I already have my copy of the book so don’t count me in for the giveaway.
Keep enjoying.
Andi 🙂
Very interesting!
I would love, love, love this book!
I would love a chance to win a copy. Your placemats look great – the perfect splash of colour and those wonderful zigzags. I can’t wait to see what else this technique inspires in your space.
That book looks amazing…I love her blog and her quilts are always stunning!
I have been wanting this book forever! Would love to win!
That book looks fantastic! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
What a beautiful job you did on the placemats! I’ve been following Malka’s blog for a while & I’m totally in awe of her!
I would love to learn how to dye my own fabric – this looks like the perfect book to get me started. Thanks for the chance!
Great! i’ll try …the book looks inspiring.
this book is going on my christmas list but I’d love to win!
a giveaway! whee!! throw my name in the pot please!
I came over here from Malka’s blog to see the fab project she said you made — and I am not disappointed! I love a good zig zag, and the contrast of Malka’s bold batik fabric with the simplicity of the linen is perfect. Very inspirational. 🙂
I have been thinking about buying it but would love to win it and save the money for dye!
Can’t wait to see what you’re learning in a camera strap!(And I’d love some inspiration!)
Can’t wait to see what you’re learning in a camera strap!(And I’d love some inspiration!)
Can’t wait to see all that you’re learning in a camera strap! (And would love some inspiration!)
I love Malka’s blog, I drool over Malka’s fabric and I would love to have Malka’s book. Thanks for offering this give away.
Your placemats are so nice! I would love to win this book and check out the dying instructions!
When I first saw Malka’s work, I too, gasped out loud. It is so appealing and so vibrant and so unlike anything else. I could sit for long periods looking at her work and loving it!!
Wow, inspiration abounds. I have poked around her blog and would love to own her book…how exciting!
Hoping to win Malka’s book. I have been following both of your blogs for a while now for my daily dose of inspiration. Keep up the good work ladies!
I would love to win this book! It looks amazing – just like your placemats 😉
I would LOVE to have that book! And some of that fabric!
Great placemats! The colours of Malka’s fabrics are so inspiring! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of her book.
I’ve had my eye on that book! Your placemats turned out great!~Beth
Thanks for counting me in, Erin. I’d love to have Malka’s wonderful book. Love those placemats!
I would love a copy of this book.
I am really excited about that book! The fabrics she sent you are gorgeous — perfect for the palcemats.
Wow,
Makes me want to put my knitting away and
get back to fabric.
Absolutely AWESOME! What a lovely idea.
Those placemats are Yummy! 🙂
After looking at the quilt on flicker….I know why you loved her work. That is amazing and I love the bright colors. I would love to win her book. Please add my name to the basket 🙂
Smiles,
Kelly
What cool placemats… I have had my eye on that book. Thanks for offering a giveaway!
You were right. The fabrics do sing with the neutral linen background. Good call.
I would love to win the book.
Sounds interesting! Thanks to both of you!
So glad you posted about this book. Her work caught my eye a while back and somehow I haven’t kept current with her. Excited for a chance to win!
SO inspired by this post AND this book. Thanks for this post!!
Would love to win this book to add to my library. I have lurked at Malka’s blog for quite a long time. I love her work.
Would love to win this book to add to my library. I have lurked at Malka’s blog for quite a long time. I love her work.
Thanks for the opportunity, I would love to win this book!
Those placemats look amazing. I love the pattern.
oooh, I want that book & I love the placemats!
Malka’s work is so beautiful. This has been on my wish list for a while now. I’d love an early Christmas present.
A beautiful book. Thanks.
would love a chance at this book. the vibrant colors on those fabrics are awesome.
count me in too, please:)Thanks!
great giveaway – i couldn’t wait . . . already bought the book – malka is so talented! would love to win the giveaway – and give-it-away!!!
I’d love a chance to win. Great placemats!
Fascinating! Can’t wait to learn a new trick!
Pretty sure 50 is a random number…
Great work, Erin!
Your place mats look FANTASTIC!! I love how the colors pop on the linen!
Please add me to your giveaway! That looks like a lot of fun!
Count me in! I had never seen that quilt you linked to — amazing!!
her work is so clever! Love the use of bright colours too, it really pops!
those placemats are awesome. i would love to win.
I would love a copy of this book… her quilts are amazing. She is an inspiration!
Thanks for such a great give away…
Kirstin
Those placemats are great! I have some of her fabric and I can’t bring myself to use it, and I’m never like that!
And just tonight we were planning our laundry room and all I could think about was a sink in there for dying!
I have followed and been fascinated by Malka’s wonderful ways with cloth.
I remember tryin wax resist dyeing as a child and loving it. I’d love to give it another try. Thank you for the competition.
The placemat came out looking great!
And I’d love to be in the drawing of that book. It looks really neat.
Love the placemats! I’ve seen this book on other blogs. I’ve never thought about dyeing my own fabric but with everyone talking about I’m thinking about giving it a try! Great giveaway!
I’d really love to win this book!!!
A new world of possibilities! Thank you!
A new world of possibilities! Thank you!
Wow!
What exciting ideas!
Jules
This book looks amazing!
I love her creations – both fabrics and quilts 🙂
And your placemats are so beautiful!
Thank you for the chance to win this inspiring book!
Wow, your placemats are beautiful and I would love to see more of that gorgeous book.
Thanks
Dawn
I love your placemats, and the book looks interesting.
Your placemats look awesome! (and also I think we have the same forks and knives! hehe)
Oh, if only I could win this book, and be able to make this kind of fabrics myself. Your placemats are lovely, who would not enjoy a meal if these are on the table?!
I love the book and would love to win a copy of it.
The photos of your projects are such an inspiration. This book looks amazing.
Love the placemats! Here’s hoping I’m lucky.
That book sounds so great – I would love to have it!
Another amazingly beautiful and interesting product! How do you do it?
Love the zigzag of beautiful color with the linen! Great combination.
I’ve been dabbling in dyeing but haven’t over dyed anything yet. Very intriguing.
Your placemats are stunning! I would so love a copy of Malka’s book. I have never even thought about dyeing fabric, but what a whole new dimension it would add to my quilting.
my flickr favourites contain a lot of her photos! i would love a chance to have some of that goodness in a book.
i’m not sure when i first saw Malka’s quilts but when i didn’t i couldn’t believe the joy they brought. i love appliquing circles but to see them done by just dyeing them was ingenious. i can’t wait to get the book and to start dyeing.
I have been following Malka for a while now as well and her fabric and book are on my Christmas list! Her fabrics are beautiful and so are your placemats!
I, too, fell in love with Malka’s style after coming across that same quilt! She’s brilliant with color and I would love to have her book. Thank you for the great review and giveaway. Your placemats are gorgeous!
Like you, I’m FLOORED by the fantasticness of this book and the whole idea! Please be kind, random number generator!
Would love to win a copy of Malka’s book after watching her on Quilting Arts and reading her blog for the last couple of years. She is so inspiring! Thanks for the chance to win.
This book sounds SO interesting – definitely something to add to the “Wish List”!
The possibility of dyeing my own fabric would open up a whole new world of discovery.
I absolutely LOVE the picture with the triangle snippets.
Your placemats are great ! Love the zig zag pattern !
Thanks for an opportunity to win a great book too !!!
Your placemats are gorgeous! I have seen this book and would love to have it. I would purchase it myself, but I make myself a promise during this time of year that I will not make any selfish purchases. I really hope I win.
Oh, I really want this book!
Love your placemats. I agree with others…I need more hours in my day!
ooooooooooooh, i’d love a chance to win this book!
I love dying fabrics and sewing with them! I would love to win Malka’s book!
I love the placemats! I’ve been lurking here AND on A Stitch In Dye and love Malka’s work. I would love the book…
She is very talented. Her book looks inspiring !
Love Malka’s technique for dyeing fabrics to look like applique.
What gorgeous colors! I’d love to learn more about the process. Thank you!
how fun! love it.
this looks like a great book, and I love the placemats you made.
Maybe luck will shine on me. Your placemats are lovely and that book intrigues me. Bring it on.
Love your placemats! So simple and yet so striking. Malka’s fabric is beautiful.
Me! Please Me!
Wow! I have never thought of dyeing my fabric. That quilt you liked to is amazing! I wonder how she did that…
Would love a copy!
Please sign me up for a chance to win!
Erin, you’re amazing. Thanks for the great inspiration!
Thanks for the book suggestion and the great giveway!
I have the book on my Amazon wish list for Christmas, but I would love to win it and get my hands on it sooner.
How fascinating! That quilt made me gasp, too, as did your adorable placemats. Talk about inspiring!
I would be thrilled to win on of her books.
-Diane
Your placements turned out so beautiful! It had never occurred to me to dye my fabric, and I love the idea. Oh, the possibilities!
I love overdying fabric but this is so modern looking. Always fun to see another person’s perspective! Thanks for the chance!
Gorgeous stuff – I’d love to peruse it.
ohhh, great placements. I would love to win.
I’m loving her works! I would for a chance to win 🙂
What great colors! Love the way you paired them with the neutral. Great way to highlight them.
Rocking book! I am crossing my ‘random finger crossing generator’ in hopes of winning!
I almost couldn’t tear myself away from the pictures to stop in and leave a comment for the chance to win a book! AMAZING !!!! I just love CREATIVE PPL!
oh please pick me!
I love following Malka’s Blog. She is so inspirational, I would love to win a copy of her book. Your placemats are lovely!
–Kathy
love the colors! so cheery for the dark days of winter!
Love how you used the fabric!!
And this book is allready on my list for Santa… So I hope it will land in my mail 🙂
Thanks for this generous giveaway. I have been following Malka’s blog for a while, and just love what she does with fabric. Am hoping to get up the courage to try some of her dyeing techniques!
I too have been following Malka’s work and loving it. I’m a dyer and would love to see what she’s written!
How cool!
The book looks completely amazing! I would love a chance to win.
I’ve already ordered the book, but I can think of several friends who would enjoy it. I love her fabrics!
I’m inspired by your place mats. I do believe I’ll order some fabric.
I am always up for learning something new ~ I’d love to win the book. Thanks so much!
The book looks great.
wow you did an awesome job and the book looks amazing
thanks for sharing!
Fun! I would love to win!! You have such AMAZING ideas, I love your blog!
Eeek! Amazing stuff. MAlka elevates these arts. I love what you did with her fabrics. Thanks!
So very interested in her book!
alright. i’m in. looks so fun.
This looks like the coolest. thing. EVER. I really want to know how to over-dye, and oh.my.gosh her quilt is wonderful!
Wow, please put my name in the drawing too. Malka’s work is so colorful and enticing . . . I’d love to try that! Thanks! *fingers crossed*
what fun! would love to win this.
I’m loving the concept of this book. I’d love to win a copy!
Thank you both for this!
I love it!
looks fab!! love it!!!
looks like a really interesting book, I’d love to win a copy!
I don’t know if it’s not too late but I will try anyway. I love Malka’s works and I also wondered how she has achieved such marvelous results. Now I know that is it all about dying, but would also love to know how. If I get this book, I will surely give it a try. Regards (BTW, Erin, your blog has been one of the first I started following two years ago and I still do and like it! Thank you!)
Loved the various reviews of this book on the web lately…so much fun. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to be the lucky recipient of this book! The colours that Malka uses are very inspiring. I really like how you mixed them with a neutral to make the “pop”.
That quilt is absolutely stunning. Thanks for introducing me to Malka’s work. Your placemats (like everything you do!) are lovely.
i’m so excited to try this.
oh my gosh – that book looks terrific!!!! Your placemats are wonderful.
Hi like your post and would love the book.