I Dyed It!

Last week I finally decided to dye my first felted skirt.  I dyed the whole skirt in a light silver grey, then used shibori techniques of folding, rolling and wrapping to create the diagonal lines of blue.  I really like how it came out, but for some reason it still felt unfinished, like it needed another dip or another color, or just...something.

 At the risk of going too far I decided to hold off on doing anything else to it.

Today I thought it would be a good idea to wear it and see how I felt about it.

 

I think I am going to have to wear it a few more times in order to know whether it is finished or not.  And the great thing is I can always go back and dye it again:)

I have been thinking a lot lately about what a classifies a garment as being "finished" is it perfectly rolled hems, straight un-frayed edges, adding color or being dyed?  This skirt will be a good test for that very question.

Lately I am in love with the organically shaped edges that felting creates and the beautiful slightly frayed edges of the silk.  

What do you think classifies a garment as being finished?

It's All About The Duct Tape Bodice...

A few weeks ago I asked some fellow Applied Craft and Design classmates (and good friends) to duct tape my body.  That's right, I asked them to wrap me in duct tape:)

Lately I have been thinking about another way to express the struggle and conflict that we as people have between wanting to fit in and wanting to express our individuality.  This concept being at the core of my practicum project.  I was longing to make something more artistic, less wearable, and free myself from the confines of making a garment.

The idea is still brewing but so far it requires a replica of my bodice from my neck to my hips, which led to making a duct tape bodice!  Thanks to a couple of friends, 2 rolls of duct tape, some saran wrap and a camera, it made for a good time and a lot of laughs.  And thanks to the camera I can share the silliness with you:)

Saran Wrap layer done, time for duct tape.

"Does this look as ridiculous as it feels?"

 

A little groping never hurt anyone:)

The result.

If you want to see how I got out of this predicament, check out my facebook page for "the cutting" phase, and some more silly photos from this process. 

Stay tuned, next time I will be giving an update on my latest garments, yay!
And of course I will be sharing more about what kind of project requires a duct tape bodice:)