Well, Here is how I did this... I got a stencil (sticky back) made of the Fabrics.net
logo. Then I put it on these three small pieces of velvet. (The stencil didn't want to
stick to the pile!) Instead of testing an area of the velvet, I dove right in...true to
form. I applied the Fiber-Etch according to the directions and then worked it in and
around the edges with the tip of a mechanical pencil that I had taken the lead out of.
Looking back, I can tell where I had the Fiber-Etch at the correct saturation. Over the
'net' was perfect. It was wet and a bit puddled, but not oozing. Around the 'Fabrics' was
too little. It was just wet like a wrung out piece of fabric.
I then dried it with a hair dryer. I had to go to Mom's house to use her iron. (Her
iron is the best!) Well, I ironed it for too long and burnt the fibers that were to be
removed, but you can't tell. Good thing I used a cloth to iron it in or I'd be buying her
a new iron board cover! I should have checked it half way through. You can just scrape the
fibers with a fingernail to see if they have loosened.
After rinsing, I can tell it needs a second application to remove the spots where I
used too little of the Fiber-Etch. This sample would be perfect then. But, the areas
around the outline of the letters where I took extra care to work the solution in with the
pencil is clean. As it is, I like the rustic look with these drab colors. Personally, I'm
not going to apply a second coat.
My suggestions? Test a small piece before diving into your project to get the feel of
it. Check your fibers half way through while ironing. Use a pointed fine object for
working the solution into intricate areas. (Preferably metal, not plant fiber.)
We also tried this on a poly/cotton t-shirt. Amazingly, it worked! I think the t-shirts
are a hit-and-miss thing because it is unpredictable as to which ones have the correct
poly/cotton blend. Either way, it made a nice sheer design where the Fiber-Etch was
applied. Great start for wearable art!
Don't be afraid to experiment. And, have fun!
Jessie
jessie@fabrics.net
