DOTS

Sat, May 11 2013 06:24

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Okay, so lets admit it: a dot here and there makes EVERYTHING (every piece of fabric) better. Lets roll with that and just go for more.

Re-designed Camp Shirt

THE SHIRT-This was a ‘camp’ shirt (definition: short sleeve, collar, 1 pocket and button up the front).
Here is what I did:

Redesigned the shirt into an asymmetrical, flared pullover (the collar became the godets in the side seams (that is another story.... I am staying with DOTS right now).
The lilac dots were printed with the jumbo size Tee Juice Pens by Jacquard. This is VERY fun...and I think everyone should have at least 1 poka-dot shirt! It is a great kid project too. Just think about all of the sad, plain, canvas items in the world: grocery bags, tennis shoes, pillow cases aprons etc. etc.... all would be better with lots of dots!
Remember to place a folded towel or other absorbent layer inside the body and sleeves of the garment as you print. Don’t use plastic here....it needs to be something that will absorb the extra ink as you print. Put on your favorite music and ‘dot’ away!!!
Let your dots dry then iron. The pens are permanent with heat setting. If you have printed shoes, you can run them in a hot dryer with some towels.

FaultLines Pattern #118

BIAS WRAP TOP: FaultLines #118-I love the shape of the undershirt in my Faultlines Pattern. It is easy to construct and with the four panels on the bias, it has a nice fit. The sleeves from the jacket also fit the undershirt, so there are lots of options. I trimmed the edges with bias: printed with my Borders Stencil. I used the grey Tee Juice Pens and like how subtle the small dots work with the larger dots in the design.

Front view: Linen Sweater

LINEN SWEATER- I don’t know about you,
but I have several of these in my summer clothing
stash. They seem like the perfect thing to buy, but
when it comes to wearing them-I don’t.

I love linen...and the idea of wearing a lightweight,
linen sweater makes me happy. As you can see,
I am MUCH happier now.
With some design changes inspired by the
big dots, this garment is now a favorite in
my summer wardrobe!

Here’s what I did to update my sweater:
Cut different size circles out of file folders (wha-la= a stencil)
1. Print through my impromptu stencils with a sponge and Jacquard's Lumiere Fabric Paint. The color I used here is Pewter, one of my favorite metallics. Printing this woven texture fabric takes a heavier application of paint than I usually suggest...but since it is just in spots (of dots), the garment will wear nicely.

Back view: Sweater with scarf

2. Once the paint was dry, I played with how the edges could be more interesting. After making several passes at binding ideas...I let it sit for a few weeks. Yup ...you heard me right: A good long while: hanging so I could see it daily...waiting for a shift in my mental idea file. I worked on several other things when something translated back to my linen sweater. Idea Flash! I love how this works don’t you?!!
3. The final edge is more playful and unexpected with a raw edge, double layer of silk dupioni that I pressed in curved shapes and serged on. I added the same bias raw edge to complete the big dot below the hemline. I love the line the edge creates! It's going to be fun to wear with my purchased dot scarf. I always see design as a puzzle....waiting for me to discover, create and fit my piece in.
I know that is what draws me to play with a variety of materials.
I enjoy exploring the world of design with my creativity at the helm!

Well, I 'm not through sharing my passion for dots ....accessories are next!

SO many dots...good thing the summer is long! Diane

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Bamboo-

Sun, May 5 2013 12:48

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I can't help it. This time of the year makes me turn to my summer wardrobe and look forward to additions and updates. I love, love, love getting out my stencils and fabric paints and hitting the refresh button on what is coming out of my summer clothing storage bin.
Pick out YOUR favorite stencil and lets get started!
With bamboo and linen how can you go wrong?
Here are 2 linen garments, a bag and a piece of canvas where I have been printing with my Bamboo Forest Stencil and my Jakarta Stencil

Ideas always come in multiples...don't resist that, it's a gift from your creativity! When I am working and another idea comes to mind, I start it, sketch or in some other way, play with the idea for a few minutes (long enough to remind myself what it was later)- then, I go back to what I am doing. Every idea doesn't have to be part of what your hands are doing at the moment. Giving that 'monkey mind' of mine a chance to climb around on a new idea lets me come back to what I am doing refreshed and not as distracted.
CHANGING MY CLOTHES:
Here are my best tips for making it easy and your results successful-
1. My clothing remodels usually involves new buttons. Plus, the printing is easier if the buttons are removed first.
2. Press the garment for easier printing.
3. Get 2 pieces of cardboard (wrap with a rag/towel for padding). Use these to insert in to the sleeve and body of the garment to prevent printing through both layers at one time.
4. Start on the back. No really, think about it, last time you made buttonholes...wasn't the worst one at the top and the best one on the bottom after you had made afew? Yup, it is like that. Starting on the back or on a sleeve with give you a chance to play with the stencil, design and how the paint and colors are working on the fabric. Trust me, I have done this afew times....this pays off!
5. I finish by printing the front panels. You can see there are many different ways to arrange the images as you print. Some of you are grid people and some of you are not....you know who you are). I intentionally arrange the designs on my stencils as separate elements so they are very versatile: with the bamboo stencil, you can make a symmetrical fence or a random forest. This gives YOU the opportunity to design with the stencil and create your own, personal images.

6. Add buttons, handstitching, beads or other elements to finish the design. As you can see on these to garments, I tied the new buttons on with the embroidery floss.

THE BAMBOO BAG:
The basic shape of this bag is from my Pacific Purse Pattern #201 . I used 2 stencils here. The Brush Alphabet Stencil is one of my favorites for printing backgrounds. On top I printed the Bamboo Forest. To finish the bag, I made a cord that mimics a bamboo stalk by scrunching the fabric on the cord to create the look of the nodes. I hand-stitched to hold the scrunched fabric in place. It was a great design flash...and I love the look! The Asian coins close through a loop and complete the theme of the piece. I always enjoy pulling together the elements that will compliment the stenciling and work the them of the piece.
I could not resist using red as an accent!

Happy Printing! DIANE
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Piecing my Pants-

Sun, Apr 28 2013 09:06

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It is daily. Daily that my mind wanders back to what else I could add...how I can keep working the edges and the bits of fabrics and thread into one more crease of my old, weary pair of khakis.

Then the logical voice comes in: ‘why are you spending time on these old pants again?...you could be _______. You SHOULD be___________.’ So many other ways to use my time. How much is there?

It is all becoming precious: Who I spend my time with and what projects I choose to hold close to my heart. As I think about this, I continue to work that worn spot. Sometimes I can see the new direction in my work jump into view as I juxtapose something unexpected...I need the unexpected. It translates to fresh, maybe a new direction will come from these old pants. I have so many choices....why this? It IS my meditation...almost an honoring of sorts. While I work this worn piece, the women in my family come to mind: all working with their hands, doing what they learned to do.

It is a small design story....that is just as big as others that get more attention. It is the connection to the heart. It is the thread we yearn for and don’t always know is missing until we stop and sit with it for a while. Sometimes this kind of handstitching feels like the best way to bring my life along....and sometimes it is the only way to bring my life along.

Why do I do this?
Because I need to..... and I will work on it again tomorrow. Diane

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Pedal Play-

Sun, Apr 14 2013 07:28

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Bicycles are always an appealing theme. Lots of us not only have fond childhood memories that include bikes...but also current lifestyles that are enhanced by a pedal around the neighborhood. I have been enjoying working my Red Bike Fabric in some creative ways. By piecing it together and adding some black linen, I designed a fun WALL COLLAGE in various size panels (stapled to wood stretcher bars) and added old bike parts as accents. APRON and can't resist playing with other design ideas with fabric.

SHIRT DESIGN: I worked with my #109 Nuevo Shirt Pattern as a base and adding a striped linen to the bike fabric. The black snaptape, stitched down in strips, work well as the closures on the front and tabs on the sleeves.

To see my fabrics and patterns: http://dianeericsondesign.com/store/The image, printed on a cotton/linen canvas, comes in the shape of an apron (ready to cut out and sew up)....I love using my
The CANVAS MARKET BAG: was made from fabric printed in my studio in the Art Center. People visiting the studio enjoy jumping in various themes (in this case, your favorite bike). It is a chance for me to share working with fabric pens and fabrics.

I'm taking a break from the sewing machine, pumping up my tires and getting
ready for a morning ride around town.

Enjoy your day! Diane

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STUDIO PLAY: Brown Paper Magic!

Thu, Apr 4 2013 09:31

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I LOVE brown paper bags! ..Well mostly I am attracted to them as a collage paper. I am finding lots of things I need to cover with them. I just finished my vintage display form, which was falling apart and crying for a facelift. Easy, easy to do: Tear up brown paper bags and dip in a mixture of white glue and water (you want it to look like milk...2 percent is fine). Next, brush an area you want to cover with a bit more glue , then take a piece of the wet paper, squeeze it out and brush it down onto the surface. That's it!...repeat until you have your piece covered.

You can see I use different size strips and shapes in curved areas. I like to brush a light coat of glue and water over the surface to finish. After it's dry, the fun begins....color and antiquing. I rag on a wet solution of acrylic paint. I especially love to use the Jacquard Lumiere (metallics)...move quickly and rag all over. Once this layer is dry, my secret finish is carnuba car wax. I like the paste form so I can buff it in with a dry rag. It also gives it some water resistance if you are doing a table.

I think the sheet rock nails around the bottom are perfect. Have a great day, I am off to the studio to dig out more bags. Diane

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INSPIRATION: The Farmers Market

Wed, Mar 27 2013 09:06

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My favorite day of the week!

Spring is really kicking in when the Farmers Markets come to town in Southern Oregon. Always inspiring...the colors are so much more vibrant in the beginning of the season. You may want to celebrate the spring and sew up a new Market bag.

I am stylin' with my Raven Bag (Pattern #204, www.dianeericsondesign.com/store) ready to fill with fresh greens and root veggies today!

I am working on some new designs for my fabric line to share this spring. In the meantime, I've been sewing with my Wing'n A Prayer fabric (dianeericsondesign.com/store).

I combined several fabrics with it to create this Torri Collection Shirt (pattern #100). As you can see the fabric panels really lend themselves to wall hangings. I love using some of my favorite sticks at the top and bottom. The cotton/linen canvas panels are the perfect weight and amount for bags, hangings and garments.

I'd love to see what you create! I continue to explore my flight theme....you can NEVER have to many birds!!!!

Have an energizing creative day, Diane

Torri Top & Wall Hangings in my fabric design

Each bird is unique...I love creating the fabric ombinations

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Working with a Theme - 2013

Sun, Mar 17 2013 10:28

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Each year, to celebrate my birthday, I work with a new theme. It is really setting an intention for my year.....something I think about, something that becomes metaphor and always inspires a body of work. This year, my theme is FLIGHT. Perfect for launching a new chapter in my life. It reminds me about basic things like ‘lightening my load’ and all the ways that things can take flight. Imagery is key. I collect, draw, print and collage a collection of flight inspired images that I can refer to and display throughout the year.

My new winged birthday sweater

1 tee + 1 sweater=START

I initiate the process every year with some special threads. Here is what I stepped out in on my birthday this year. I made a sweater, asymmetric, silk taffeta skirt and a collaged pair of shoes. I combined a ‘winged’ tee shirt with a silk cardigan...framing it with a silk shell and trimming it with a piece of painted silk lattice at the collar. I fused the designs I cut from the tee to the silk sweater, added some pewter metallic printing (to warm it up), then collaged some bits of metallic fabric and handstitching. Changing the buttons is the final step. The new buttons always add to the design.

AFTER

BEFORE

The shoes were pretty plain...but have an appealing copper embossed surface. I combined a variety of metallics in various materials to the surface including some silver metal leaf. I love the results!!!!

I will be sharing more work inspired by my theme as the year goes on.

For now, spring is on the wing in my neighborhood as everything green begins to pop!

Time to walk in the park, Diane

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VESTS: Layering into Spring-

Tue, Mar 5 2013 06:03

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Walkabout Vest Pattern #113

Studio Vests are a must in my wardrobe...I love having one or 2 cozy ones for this time of the year when the weather can’t make up its mind. Here are 2 of my favorites:

Walkabout Vest Pattern #113 in a unique combination of raspberry wool jersey stitched to a layer of polar fleece. After some topstitching, the jersey, which started to stretch as I pressed it, was even more interesting. Slashing holes and cutting out small shapes made created interest. I love the surface and the double layered fabric is perfect for cool mornings in the studio!

I stenciled a small design from the Jakarta Stencil on a black rectangle to add an accent and fasten the tie. I used a cotton print for trim pieces.

Another favorite is this vest version of HeartFelt Coat Pattern #106 in black, green and creme color wools. The collar is double, but not sewn together so each layer can flap.

HeartFelt Coat Pattern #106

Layering up any of the pieces with flaps in contrasting colors adds more dimension and warmth to the garment. The pocket is free-hanging. I added collage to the pocket with buttons and other bits of metal ...and a beautiful handmade button closure with a loop at the top.

I am working on garments and ideas for my ReDesigning Artful Clothing at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz coming up this April. We have 2 spaces left if you'd like to join us!

> Register here

ON MY DRESSFORM NOW.... is a Studio Vest I am excited about. It was an oversized jacket and I am using the sleeves to add pockets to the hem area. I love working on a dressform! Everyone should have one- it's so immediate and a very fun way to explore ideas and see how details and fabric grain will play out around the body.

If I am designing a pattern, I like to start the garment from this draping process first- then to paper and drafting the design.

I'll share how this vest is developing in future blogs. I hope your enjoying creative studio time today, Diane

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STUDIO TIME: STITCHING & PRINTING

Wed, Feb 13 2013 06:05

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Rayon piece with sheer layer & stenciled accents
using my Off theWall stencil design.

Settling In-

I used my Morning Pages Fabric for pockets & details on my studio apron.
The Boro fabric was made into a vest by my mom, Lois, after her trip to Japan.

The new studio is beginning to feel like home. I've been moving 2 forms, dressed in my pieces, into the hall to attract a bit of attention.

Shelves are in...display boards are up, I am working on some new projects and classes are happening! Come on in and I will show you around.

I love the light in the studio.....it is definitely influencing the way I work.

My intention is to keep the tables clear and NOT used for storage! We all know how challenging that can be. The big design boards give me a temporary place to pin up ideas, projects in progress and bits and pieces I don't want to loose in the creative chaos. It works nicely to have several different height tables- partially because I get bored working in one place all the time. I like to
rotate afew inspiring
objects to look at on my
table by the windows.

A clear table and I am ready to work. On my design wall I am pinning up a collection of fabrics for a spring dress that is inspired by the large drawing on the right. I will share the progress in future blogs.

2013-

Sticks are slowly making their way into my canisters and displays. I tape up new drawings as they happen. I love drawing with graphite pencils...and graphite sticks. they allow for a lovely, fluid mark ......which is playing into my personal theme for my new year : Flight

Design Table Play-

I enjoy laying out new combinations of materials...

It's not necessarily a piece to make everything, but always stimulating to see the combinations together.

Design Tip: If you want to explore the way you work in a fresh way:
1. Start with ONE THING.
Simplifying the way we work gives us the opportunity to explore and grow the process of creating in unique ways.
2. GO SLOW.
Take your time....enjoy the unfolding of your design choices and materials. Let pieces sit a while.
3. JOURNAL ABOUT THE
PROCESS OF MAKING.
Keep a studio journal for making notes at the end of your work session while the process is fresh in your mind. What shifted your work? What was new for you? What do you want to repeat tomorrow?

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This combination of textures includes a piece of handwoven silk sari, a ribbon woven piece of fabric I made and painted and some small pieces of old kimono fabric, The colors range from a tobacco to citrine green and worn grey pewter. This would make a beautiful scarf.

I feel some handstitching coming on....
gotta go!
-Diane

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New Year = New Studio

Wed, Jan 23 2013 08:25

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----------------------UNDER CONSTRUCTION------------------------

Welcome! I have been working this past month moving into my new studio and helping get a new website launched. Congratulations to those of you who managed to find me online AND in person: building tables, installing shelves and moving into my studio at 238 N. Main Street in Ashland, OR. My new digs will be a working studio, intimate classroom space and textile library. I look forward to some of you visiting!

Creating Space-

Space is always a great metaphor for me. Moving into any place in an opportunity to re-visit the choices we make and clear the way for what are truely the priorities. It is the beginning of the adventure..imagining what it can be.

After the carpet was dry and the walls were freshly painted, my beginning strategy was to get to know my new space. I gravitate towards the 2 tall windows at one end which get sunlight all afternoon....I started sitting there at different times during the day, imagining how I might work there.

I‘ve been taking my time: GOING SLOW..... just moving basic furniture around until it feels right before I bring in more tools and materials to fill the shelves. Everything that comes in has to be functional and/or something I want to look at. That’s it! No exceptions. I want it to ‘feel’ spacious...no matter what. For maximum flexibility, I make moveable, large tabletops and covered bulletin boards to mount on the walls.

Today my shingle is up...and I am working in the studio!

The winter, afternoon sun was streaming in as I welcomed the first class into the studio last week. For my class schedule, check my Teaching page: http://dianeericsondesign.com/teaching/ and Calendar page: http://dianeericsondesign.com/calendar/

It was a very fun afternoon...full of ideas, projects and laughing. A great beginning.

Sewing Notes-

A great winter jacket is a must. Here are 2 SnapDragons (my pattern #117) in wool. One of my favorite features is the detatchable lapel/collar pieces.

I combined red and white lapel pieces to this black, cashmere. Handstitching with white bamboo fiber and vintage black rayon seam tape accent the lapels.
Snaptape gives lots of wearing options including wrapping around like a cowl...or removing them all together.

In the grey version, I have combined a butterscotch color batik as a lining and ribbons to give the checkerboard look to the snaptape.

Design Play-

Back to the Studio for some project time!

I look forward to sharing lots of design, inspiration

and creativity with you. Please sign my guestbook and come by next time you are in town.

-Diane

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