Sticks & stones.

My new sticks & stones set, based on an old Burda pattern.

I shared a bit of the process on this post back in January.

I wish I'd known more (which is to say, anything) about draping before I'd started this project.  I brought it with me to my draping class in April just to see how it would hang and to adjust the darts on the tank.  I am hoping to tweak the shoulders a bit once I get my own dress form.  (So many dress forms to choose from; the ones that would look gorgeous standing in the corner of your studio are not necessarily in the shape of a real body.  The diy duct tape method is down & dirty, but you can't pin into it.  The kind that you create to fit yourself require some effort -- and assistance -- but would be so very helpful with fit.  That is what I'm planning to get, once I can set aside time to make it happen.)

I love the details, the topstitched darts in the jacket front and sleeve.

Recently I was re-reading a few pages of Twyla Tharp's The Creative Habit, and I got to thinking about which I enjoy more, the process or the result.  I'm guessing that's a spectrum, and each project falls somewhere on it.  The stitching for each sleeve took about 20 hours; add in the painting and the construction for a grand total of 50 hours.  50 hours of meditative stitching, 50 hours of holding soft fabric in my hands, 50 hours of process.  In the end, I will either need to exhibit this as art or hide it in my closet for awhile, to be stumbled upon unexpectedly one day, like an old friend.

Comments

[chel]

wow. WOW, Gina!!

[gisele]

You finished it! It's gorgeous! I particularly love how you were able to create such texture with the stones on the leaves. I hope you wear it, not stick it in a closet somewhere.

[Cheryl Jaeger]

I repeat...WOW!

[MelissaPete]

Beautiful work!

[jenclair]

Beautiful! Love the sleeves!

[karen S]

Beautiful wearable art!