Review: Lotta Prints

I’m light on the posts this week – sorry. I’m in one of those work-vortex situations. But yesterday, on the train to a teaching gig, I did get to read Lotta Prints – and it’s fantastic.

I’ve always had this idea that printing on fabric would be too hard to attempt. But with this book, Lotta Jansdotter shows you that it isn’t, really. She covers some very simple techniques, like rubber-stamping. (Love those stamped ribbons!)

Lotta also has some great ideas for those inkjet iron-on transfers, which I have used. But her take on them is really elegant, as in this skirt. This photo is a good encapsulation of the book’s whole approach: simplicity, elegance, and great design.

And stenciling, of course. Isn’t it great how the stencils elevate this simple fleece scarf?

These skirts are potato-printed, for pete’s sake! How much do I need to potato-print my summer wardrobe right now?

My favorite things about the book are these Inspiration pages, which are scattered throughout. They show images of shapes and colors Lotta has found inspiring, and sketches from her sketchbook. A really cool glimpse into the creative process of one designer.

Oh – and because this is a Chronicle book, and they are excellent at such things, the back of the book is full of perforated, heavyweight stencil pages for you to cut out. And there’s a handy pocket built into the back cover for storing them.

Two thumbs up, four stars, and all that.