Inspired -- make it work!

[janestarz]

This was a pretty good weekend, sewing-wise. I spent most of my time on a medieval dress that worked well. I was inspired to sew it, something that doesn't happen too often, and that's probably why I loved making it.



I've had this wool since...oh, probably last spring's sale on the market. It was at a stall from a fabric seller that often has oodles of Polyester and a couple of lovely woolens. Not too expensive too, and it was so tightly woven that NoKey dubbed it 'regenerating fabric' when I had trouble poking the holes with an awl.

Find this, and other inspired works, at the Dolle Griet stand on the Midwinter Fair in the Archeon!
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I've also watched far too much Project Runway. I blame anastaszia and her husband. It was she who first blogged about it, and I got curious.
The show itself is entirely too much drama and repetition for me, but I really like it despite all this. I love how they are very focused on talent, and not on appearance or age of the designers.

And I can see what they're doing. It reminds me of Ohio. The judges, mentor and challenges are all focused on pushing the contestants to work really hard to better themselves. They are forced to think outside the box (by making a garment using recyclable garbage, flowers and plants), to work from their imagination and inspiration (take a photo of something that inspires you and create a garment that resembles it), and to focus on the customer's wishes.

I was completely hooked when I saw the first show. I started with season 2, and the first challenge was to create a garment that represented their style by using 6 yards of muslin and $15. Muslin is easy to work with, but it's very bland. Some bought dye (vivid teal, and tie-dye orange spring to mind), others used the muslin to braid or ruffle their own trim. It was very creative.

And it was like it tossed a ball up into the air. Like it was asking me "what will you do with it?"

You could always follow the mainstream patterns. Or you could reinvent yourself. I have never been good at original designs, and I always find I am just missing that spark of inspiration to make a garment truly beautiful or original. I had a spark of inspiration right after visiting the Hermitage in Amsterdam for their exhibition of Court costume (sleek, clean lines and oodles of tassels), and this show inspires me too. To try new things, to try new lines, to try draping on the doll, and to try and reinvent myself.

But first: sewing for the Midwinterfair. I want to get rid of at least 50% of my cloth pile, and that's a lot of sewing I have ahead of me. My next inspired garment will be a deep burgundy wool cloak lined with brown fur. I don't really wish to part with it, 'cause it'll be so darned pretty, but I fear I have to.
Designers...carry on!

Comments

[steelweaver.livejournal.com]

I could do tea at some point, but I don't want to interfere in your creative flow...you seem to be on a roll here.

[janestarz.livejournal.com]

I really am! I'll call you tonight to catch up! I'm very interested to hear how the CreaDoe went for you.

Also, I've been meaning to spark you for Dewdrops (http://www.dewdrops.nl). I find it's an excellent forum, though still a bit small, to spark creativity and to show off projects that are done. It really inspires me to finish stuff, and it might work for you as well?

[woran.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's a pretty one. I really have to come over for a look see (and maybe some fitting) at the midwinterfair. Because, you know, once in a while a girl deserves to buy herself something pretty.

[janestarz.livejournal.com]

I can keep it reserved for you, but I fear the hem might be a bit high for you. I always find it very hard to judge where it's supposed to be for normal-sized people.

[woran.livejournal.com]

I'll fit it on, so we can be sure. And ofcourse I want a look at all the other lovelies you've made.

Ha, I just realize you need a big stick to get me into a clothes shop. But when it comes to LARP clothing, I go all out. :)

[muizenstaartje.livejournal.com]

I really think it's a pitty I can't come to the Midwinterfair. Any chance I could drop by after it to see what's left? I'd like see if there's something for my fantasy wardrobe.

The dress looks great. Simple and sturdy.

[janestarz.livejournal.com]

Sure, but you can also drop by before the tornado hits the racks. ;-)

[muizenstaartje.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if I can make it before the fair. Busy schedule and deadlines. o_O I think it will have to be afterwards then.

[lenny (from livejournal.com)]

Pretty dress, pretty colors!

How much do you pay for such a piece of wool? I want to get something like that but I'm not sure how long I'll have to search to find something affordable.

And how do the strings close? Do you tie them inside or do you just leave them hanging?

[janestarz.livejournal.com]

Normally a decent wool twill goes somewhere between € 9,95 and € 19,95 per meter at a fabric store. Depending on the season the market will have some. This wool was, I believe, € 5,- per meter, but I've seen wools of € 7,- as well as € 3,- per meter. It varies greatly, as do the quality and the amount of itch. This is a fairly soft wool, and thin enough to make a dress out of.

Coat weight wool at the wholesalers in Weesp costs € 7,- per meter, excl. VAT.

The closure? You tie it to itself (http://alina.wasteofbandwidth.info/spirallacing.html). Gotta love the internet, there's a step-by-step for almost anything.