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Hey there! Happy Sunday!
I've been working away on a project using a beautiful fabric from Britex. Selecting my first fabric from their online store went pretty quickly. I started by looking through all of their categories, but when I came across this border print, my search was over.
When I showed this fabric, a 100% woven viscose from Italy, to friends, some of them were surprised by my choice, feeling that it wasn't a typical "Shams selection".
Perhaps folks don't realize that I have a very soft spot in my heart for border prints, and another for paisley fabrics.
Yes, I love me a paisley and this piece is a beauty.
This fabric has the same feel and drape as a lovely rayon scarf, and it cuts "like buttah". At least five times I was sure of how I was going to use it. And then I changed my mind. Over and over and over.
Dither dither dither.
I finally decided on a project, and I hope to finish it today.
But, I'm curious, how would YOU use this fabric? (There are no wrong answers.)
Yesterday I took some time off from sewing to attend PenWAG (Peninsula Wearable Art Guild). Sandra Ericson, of Center of Pattern Design, was talking about pleated fabrics and was giving a workshop on boumaki shibori pleating. I have long been interested in fabric pleating and, in the early 90s, I took a workshop on boumaki shibori pleating. Back then, I was an obsessive quilter, and I was using this technique to hand dye cotton fabrics for quilting. (I wish I could remember the teacher of that class from the early 90s, but I cannot. She was a quilter, though.)Also, back in the 80s, when I was taking technique classes at Cañada College, I experimented with crystal pleating on fabric (for one of my classes) and really enjoyed it. For awhile now I've been wanting to get back to pleating, but I haven't had the time.
One of these days...
And by the way, if you are local to the Bay Area, Cañada College's fall term starts on August 18th, and they have some great class offerings in the fashion department!Also, Artistry in Fashion, which benefits the Cañada College Fashion Department, is on Sept 27th. If you are local, or are visiting the area, put it on your calendar!
Beautiful fabric choice, shams! When I look at that fabric, I see a peasant style blouse, 'Bohemian' if you will, loose and flowy, with the border print on the bottom. Another way I would love that print is in a long-ish skirt, again with the border at the bottom. Can't wait to see what you make. Those colors will look great on you.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, Andrea! I can totally see that. I can not rock a peasant blouse, however. :)
DeleteI will be looking forward to seeing your garment. For some reason, I see lounge pants, sort of 60's style casual cocktail hour on the patio!
ReplyDeleteHey, Glenda! I actually considered palazzo style pants, with the border running vertically on one leg only. However, Palazzo style pants flare out towards the ankle, and the border print does not. Also, this is a fairly lightweight fabric; if I had used it for pants, I would have had to line it with a batiste fabric. Not a problem, but something to consider.
DeleteGorgeous fabric. I admit that it surprises me as your choice as well. I am really anxious to see what you do with it.
ReplyDeleteI love border prints as well and really like them placed vertically on a sheath, as Carolyn recently did. I also like to separate them out and use parts for things like flaps, collars, etc.
LOL. I love to surprise people, Bunny!
DeleteI seriously considered using the border vertically, but I did not. Thanks for mentioning Carolyn's dress, as I looked it up and it's fabulous!!! (I often miss blog posts these days.)
If I didn't understand your new job situation, I think I would be offended! *LOL* But since I know how you're days are running now girl, I'm just glad you got a chance to see the dress. Personally I'm not surprised at your fabric choice...but then I've spent extensive time fabric shopping with you and realize that every now and then you pick the unexpected. Can't wait to see what you finally decided upon!
DeleteThanks for understanding, Caroyln! I feel like I'm constantly behind these days! In so many ways!
DeleteOh I am feeling a little envy right now with Canada College right there. I was think ing we might get out to CA for the Artistry in Fashion show but not this time around. I was another thinking of using the border as a vertical or in some fun way on the Sewing Workshop Origami skirt.
ReplyDeleteToo bad that you can't make it this year, Jane! But maybe next year! I'd love to meet you in person.
DeleteI had to google SW Origami skirt. Veerrry interesting! It seems like you (and other folks) dither less than I do. :)
Happy Sunday to you too! Count me in the surprised group, mainly because of the colors. I see a dress - shirtwaist with the border at the hem, and maybe pieces of the border used for details like stiff self-fabric belt or collar/pocket details, but can't wait to see what you do with it!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Beth.
DeleteYes, I could totally see it as a dress! However, I don't really wear dresses. :)
Yummy fabric - woven viscose is one of my favorite fabrics and I make all my maxi lounge dresses using it. I live in a hot, humid climate and it stands up quite well. So a maxi dress is what I would make but am anxious to see what you make.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Great idea, Karen! I agree about the lovely light weight. I have finished the piece and it's like wearing a whisper!
DeleteI see you in a long-sleeved tunic with cheongsam-style neckline with bright pink piping and knot buttons. Border print at the bottom and sleeve hems.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing what you do!
Oooh, what an interesting vision, Wendy! I like it!
DeleteThat fabric looks lovely! I would make a dress, putting the border at the waist seam, symmetrical up and down (the waist seam would be the reflection point). I can't wait to see what you make.
ReplyDeleteRose in SV
Yes, that would be lovely on you, Rose!
Deletegood to finally meet you at Peninsula Wearable Arts Guild on Saturday. Looking forward to more meetings. Lenore
ReplyDeleteSo nice to meet you, Lenore! It's always great to put a face to a name. :)
Deletehttp://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1333-products-44602.php?page_id=852
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, Christine! I'd love to see that made up in a similar print.
DeleteI like to see you branching out in your color choices. You gravitate to gray, black, red etc.usually. This border print is gorgeous. I would be tempted to use it for a skirt with a wide yoke and then pleated. I think it could be used with the border on the side of a dress instead of the bottom. I can't wait to see what you do.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds nice, Connie! I do branch out sometimes as I do like other colors. The only thing I didn't care for on this print was the fuchsia edging, but I took care of that. :) (I am wearing my new garment today and enjoying it very much!)
DeleteI love the fabric you chose and look forward to seeing what you create with it!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty. A skirt or sun dress would be lovely with that gorgeous boarder. If you had bit left a scarf with the boarder on each end could be a welcome extra. Can't wait to see what you've made.
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric .
ReplyDeleteBeacon Hill Fabric