Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Its in the Details

Recently, I have been playing with some ideas of adding details to garments I make. I tend to wear a LOT of black (there is not much in my wardrobe that is not black) but lets face it, black can be boring. I LOVE to hand stitch with interesting thread, so I thought why not try it on my clothing.

Of course, if you know me, you will know that I have to do more than thread a needle. In this experiment, (just a test sample for now)  I wanted to see if I could create a subtle print on black and then add thread.

I began by drawing an overall print


I created a stencil with freezer paper


Next, the stencil was ironed securely in place to a piece of lovely rayon knit fabric and brushed with discharge paste. This has to be done quickly as the freezer paper will become saturated if you take too long... it must be removed. As I found out rather quickly, I will want to secure the fabric in some manner next time as the "stretchy-ness" of the knit made removing the stuck down freezer paper without disturbing the design, just a wee bit tricky.  (You can learn a lot by doing little test samples) I also learned that if I want to use this method on a large area, I will want to break the stenciling job into smaller sections to better facilitate the whole process.



Below, is what the design looked like when the paste was dry, but before it was "activated" with the iron.


this next image shows the result of activation and rinsing the remaining product from the fabric.


the hand of the fabric remains unchanged and I am left with a  lovely ghost print to stitch around adding texture and interest.


Something as simple as hand stitching around neck and sleeve bands can add interest, here I used a variegated 12 wt thread and did a double line of stitches.




6 comments:

Glenda said...

How fascinating. I am itching to try to design a print now. I've always been completely infatuated with fabric prints, even as a child. Color can completely change the look....think of colorways of fabric, or even of commercially produced clothing. The same print, but often one color is truly splendid while another doesn't have the same power at all. The stitching you added does so much. In the 70's I button-hole stitched around the neck and sleeve edges of a tee shirt with variegated yarn. Thanks for reminding me. Such a fun project and so elegant and unusual. Jill, have you thought of doing some of your designs in Spoonflower? How do you spell rich and famous?

Vivian said...

Seems like a lot of work to me, but the end product is lovely! I'm always impressed by your creativity and skills Jill :)

Createology said...

Customizing your clothing is a natural for you and your talents. Divine Designs Dear...<3

Robbie said...

Yep...there you go again! Just have to let that creative brain keep on working! And we're so glad you do!! What a great idea! Look forward to seeing a completed outfit with your design. You are one in a million!!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

I love this so much! I am a huge fan of Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin. I have two of her books, but have always been chicken to make clothes. You are amazing as always my friend!

Diane J. Evans said...

Gosh, I love to read about your experiments -- you are truly amazing!

Diane

Copyright Jill Buckley