#6 Sparks! Jan. 2007
Diane Ericson’s Creativity Newsletter & Studio Notes
DESIGN IN PROCESS : RECYCLED FABRIC VEST
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One of my favorite current garment projects is a lightly padded, shaped vest using the Santa Cruz Jacket & Vest Pattern. I started sharing the in-process story and photos in the Dec. newsletter. I started with a pattern I like the overall shape of. The pattern has some shaping elements (see the darts in the back photo). See the unusual fabric source that inspired the vest on my homepage and follow the link there to see the garment in the first stages of design and construction. Currently, I am enjoying hand stitching and stenciling on the surface. I want to design using what is already there as my guide. The existing surface design has a random pattern and I expand on that theme by printing through several stencils at a time- this gives me unplanned small bits of stencils here and there as I print (see photo of vest back). Taking out the needle and embroidery floss, I stitch along some of the edges of the shapes and find a ‘v’ shaped element that I can duplicate as a stitch
. I feel like I am ‘in sync’ with the fabric I have chosen …and it is leading me into some fresh design directions as I play.
SEE THE SANTA CRUZ JACKET & VEST
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/Pattern-116-SantaCruz/PATTERNS/The+Santa+Cruz+Jacket+%26+Vest
SEE THE FIRST 'IN PROCESS' GARMENT
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/gallery-process1/WEARABLES/In+Process
Vest Front: The snaptape I printed with dark green (and shared in the last newsletter) looks the best in combination with the other fabrics I am using. I printed this snaptape with my Big Hopper Stencil. As you can see any of the stencils can be used in unlimited ways when choosing them for shapes, angles and size instead of what they are as a whole image!!! This cricket stencil is one I use constantly because the combination of shapes is so appealing and versatile. Starting with a contrasting color tape from the color paint, adds more contrasting interest. Thinking about the vest front flap worn open I am going with more of the salmon/rust color fabric as a lining for the front band and some unexpected pieces of silver/grey dupioni silk under the printed zipper with raw edges as the finish. Any pattern can be expanded just by changing the shape along the front edge. As you can see on this vest, I am cutting an asymmetrical line on the front edges and following some of the p
ainted shapes. On the fronts, I moved the dart to run along the edge of the painted shapes so it does the job…but disappears.
SEE SNAPTAPE IN DARK GREEN
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/snaptape-sage/NOTIONS/SnapTape+Sage+Green
SEE BIG HOPPER STENCIL
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/Stencil-07-BigHopper/STENCILS/Big+Hopper+Stencil
Vest Back: Take a look at how I am expanding on the design the dart in the center back to include small, multiple shaped tucks- that detail, from the outside, will read as stitched design lines-again, in keeping with the surface design on the fabric. I plan to do more stitching, to give the shape more definition. I look forward to wearing and sharing the finished piece with you!
SNAPTAPE: ON CAPITOLA PANTS & TAOS SKIRT
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Since I am in love with snaptape at the moment…. I have been playing with other applications for it.
Capitola Pants: I lengthened the Capitola Pant, took off the band at the bottom and made a size larger than I needed at the top to create a wrap-around look to the pants. I used the wonderful, drapey rayon Batik from Batik Butik. I added elastic (to the back of the waist only) for comfort. The bias curved, triangle shaped belt (in black rayon) is interfaced with a fusible- giving a stable but slightly stretchy surface for stitching the snaptape onto. To create the shape of the belt piece: put on the pants, overlap and play with the waist until you get the desired look. This helps to design how, how much and where the snaptape will go. As you can see, Stitching down the ‘belt’ piece in the center back holds it in place. I like the idea of decorating the ends of the tape that will be left loose. Fabric shapes can be used, ribbon or other decorative trims.
SEE CAPITOLA PANT
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/Pattern-115-CapitolaPant/PATTERNS/The+Capitola+Pant
SEE CELERY STONE FABRIC
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/fabric-453-CeleryStones/FABRICS/Celery+Stones
TAOS SKIRT
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The skirt design I created using the snaptape is the Taos. The fabric is a luscious stretch wool with lycra in it. I used the same concept of the wrap front with a belt piece (as in the pants). I made the belt from the same fabric as the skirt, using black thread for topstitching. I stitched pieces of the black tape on the surface of the skirt for more asymmetrical wearing options. It is fun to wear, and feels very hip! I like it with a fitted short vest so the details at the waist show.
SEE TAOS SKIRT
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/Pattern-112-TaosSkirt/PATTERNS/The+Taos+Skirt
SEE MY RIO TEAL BLUE VEST
http://www.dianeericson.com/pc/gallery-TheRio/WEARABLES/The+Rio
WORKSHOPS
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I am looking forward to teaching around the country this next 6 months-I will enjoy seeing some of you as I travel. I am designing and preparing for these up and coming workshops. The February workshops will be the Santa Barbara Design Outside the Lines Retreat the first week of Feb. then a week of exciting classes in sunny, warm Florida the 14th –19th!
SEE MY CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE
http://www.dianeericson.com/c/WORKSHOPS/Workshops.html
I hope you are into a fresh start this month! I have a clear design table and am enjoying the changing landscapes of January here in Sonoma County California.
Thanks for joining me. Remember one of the most important exercises as a designer is to PLAY!
Much joy, Diane
