Exposure

The sewing article appeared in the C-Ville Weekly on Tuesday! Currently, there is no on-line reference, so a scan will appear here when the technology gods finish thier magic.
The project was to embellish/deconstruct/reconstruct a shirt. The four participants were each handed a slinky, form-fitting long-sleeved button-front black top.
I chose to do a large appliqued tree that starts on the back and reaches around like a duplicate rib cage to the front. I was very, very thankful for my dress form! (thanks, Jen) Since the material is so stretchy it would've been a challenge to pin it up without it. And even if the shirt had fit me, I wouldn't have been able to work on myself now could I?
As it doesn't fit me I am not planning to keep it . . . but certainly took some pictures to share with y'all.






The material is a print designed by Kaffe Fassett, who is a multi-talented guy. If you haven't heard of him, I suggest you look him up. I first became aware of him through a catalog showcasing clothes made by Peruvian women. He had designed the pattern they were weaving into scarf. Then I come to find out he has designed several lines of fabrics which are essential to his unorthodox quilt patterns. He has a great eye for color and design that he applies to weaving, quilting and mosaic. Quite the inspiration.
The other elements are felted wool leaves that were glued on (horror!). I doubt they will go anywhere, but some of the felt was so thick, and since I don't own a thimble I didn't relish the thought of sewing them on. I also used a bird photo transfer. I found an image on the internet and played around with the color in photoediting software. Then I printed it off onto high quality transfer material and ironed it onto muslin. That was cut out and applied to the shirt. It gave a nice dimension to the branch it sits on.
It was a good way to experiment and see what elements I look forward to using in the clothing I am sewing.
It has been a treat to spend time with the sewing machine and sketching out ideas. Honestly, my output hasn't been what I'd hoped for at this point. I am reminded how long it takes to sew something from scratch. But it's certainly enjoyable and I feel the momentum building!
Take care