Irresistible Flannel


How can one resist flannel clothing? It feels like wearing pajamas during the day [appropriate as it turns dark by 4.30 p.m]!
A dress-form is overdue both for making clothing and photographing it. It is difficult to photograph clothing on a hanger and I am shy about taking self-portraits.
A flannel dress. Pockets added to keep hands warm. Am attracted to winter clothing in warm fabrics, made sleeveless, layered with a sweater. Here, with the orchid sweater (Sept. 2009).


(Pinafore dress. Cotton flannel, Dec. 2009)

Dress for the Chill

Warm and lightweight this dress is about the only item of clothing that doesn't get traded in for lounging clothes at the end of a long day. It's as comfortable and snugly as a grown-up can get away with! Comprised of a fitted bodice and a flare skirt it looks feminine. A new incarnation for fleece. (Note: The camera evidently distorts the blue hue, increasing the contrast. )




(Dress. Polyester fleece. October 2009)

Dress for Non-functioning Heating!

The studio has been without heat for days. This led to an inspiration: a polar fleece dress. It is very warm. Photographing it was a challenge when wearing it with a scarf, a big sweater and boots to stay warm. The dress was barely visible. When the heat is working, a new photo!

Dress for a Windy Day


Until a dress form is mine, the only way to show this is to photograph it on the body. (For a shy person that's scary.) There are gathers at the shoulder and at the base of the bodice. The skirt wraps, with a generous overlap. The day was mighty windy--potentially embarrassing weather for a wrapped dress-- Fortunately, the dress is designed with gusts considered.

(Wrap-around dress, cotton/lycra , 2009)

Orchid Wool

Fall covering; Wool jersey.
1920's Romper; Cotton/lycra., 2009)
On a hanger this sweater was difficult to photograph. Here the front draping is more obvious. The material is a cashmere-like, delicate wool knit. After making the first version in black (below), the sleeve pattern was altered to create more fitted sleeves. When it was chilly a couple nights ago layering the two sweaters worked well, providing warmth.

The dress underneath was sewn a month ago. Both the dress and sweater use knitted fabric. To some degree it is a different process to sew knits than to work with woven fabrics. I use zigzag stitches a lot for knits, trying out variations for different materials.



Fall Covering; Wool knit, 2009






Update: A year later, the possibility of placing the sweater on a dress form! 

Corduroy Mystery

Made a jacket in corduroy. The two pieces of cloth from which it was assembled looked identical before pre-washing then turned slightly different shades of beige and rose when laundered. Solved the issue by using one piece for the sleeves, the other for the body of the garment. Will draft a pattern for longer sleeves (although the 3/4 length is nice....hum). Making a covered button was a first and for some reason very happy-making.

(Three-quarter length jacket with covered button, cotton, 2009)

Slow Clothes

There's a slow food movement; I will call the project to make the majority of clothing I wear slow clothes.

Mass-produced clothing, like fast food fills a hunger and need, yet is non-durable and wasteful. Home sewn garments, similar to home cooked foods are made with care and sustenance. In a sense clothing can be nourishing.

Newly made for cooler weather. Been wearing this daily. Planning to make another. Layers!
(Knee length cover:  wool, 2009)

More Lingerie

Softer than ever...
This was the prototype for bras that will be sewn in silk knit. After working with this less costly material, however, it seems impossible that silk could outdo it. It has a luxurious texture and the color is a neutral mossy olive. (Made bottoms to match.)
After sewing the set, I happily discovered there was fabric enough for a second top. The silk jersey can wait!
(Bra top. Rayon with elastic trim, 2009)

Fusion Belt

Based upon a hybrid of a weight lifting belt and an Obi sash, this design has been on my mind for several years. Like the belts below it is comprised of three layers.

First I drafted a pattern and made a cloth version with a layer of interfacing. This is the leather prototype. There will be other modifications as the design evolves. So fortifying to wear!

Refined or Rugged

Belts made this winter.
One happens to match the terra cotta pots in the background. Simple and sleek, with a smooth texture.
Another, with a more rugged look, a work-a-day belt.

To assemble, belts require a sewing machine with a powerful motor. These are made of three layers--the outer leather, a lining and a structural material between the two.

The Dragon

Isaac drew a dragon.
I used the picture as a template for a stuffed animal. Kept to the lines of the drawing. Double stitched the seams  for durability. Hopefully the dragon will be handled a lot! Embroidery was perfect for the eyes and mouth, mimicking the dragon's expression in the picture.

(Dragon: 21" length, horn to tail x 15" height)

Dragon in Process

Isaac's dragon is a gentle sort of dragon, but it does have some fierce claws! The drawing includes four legs and two arms. Faithful to the drawing, the arms end with three claws. After making the arms separately, they are attached to the sides of the body.
(Dragon: Sewing arm to side of body.)

Been Way Too Long!

When projects become intricate I must break down the steps, otherwise the time slips by. Two months since the previous post, oh my.
In December a leather bag was made, pieced together from three disco-lovely metallic leathers. The bag has a back sleeve into which a large belt (a second project which has yet to be photographed) can be inserted and secured around the waist...ta-dah. There are plenty of rugged lumbar packs, but none to wear with heels! The design of this bag is vaguely based upon an obi.
More photos to follow...

Elephant Ride


More serious work to come. (Leather projects take time and patience.)

Meanwhile, enjoying a day at the circus! Esmerelda is dressed in a handmade sweater and matching skirt with an embroidered border. Oscar prefers riding bareback-that is to say, his bareback!

Pleather Journal

Pleather (i.e. vinyl) takes differently to having stitches poked through the surface than cloth; a hole made in the surface is permanent, allowing little leeway for reworking stitches.


(Journal cover, 2008)


This book cover is designed to fit the handmade journals I began producing. The image of a screwdriver on the cover is paired with a wood grain texture stitched onto the inside flaps.








(Inside detail of journal, 2008)

Vote!

Suffragette-inspired vote sashes. Appliquéd letters on fabric sashes. Tied at the hip with a wide satin ribbon.
Seen from the front or the back, the message is clear, VOTE!

Thanks to Lola and Peng, scientists and great sports!



(left to right: cotton pin whale corduroy, polka dot cotton appliqué; paisley print cotton, wool felt appliqué; black wide whale corduroy, wool felt appliqué)