Between the Lines

My sewing has been in fits and starts since I returned from Ashland and my Design Outside the Lines retreat.  I guess the same is true for writing about my sewing as well...so this will be a quick post 'between the lines.'

I did finish the dress that I cut out in Ashland.  I used Carol Lee Shank's 'unpattern.'  Carol uses a series of measurements based on the garment shape and the dimensions of the fabric she is working with.  The designs are very economical and use as much of the fabric as possible.  

On the advise of several of my fellow DOL's I cut the shapes on the bias of my fabric.  When I started to work with it I realized that the weave of the linen I was using was going to really release once I cut it.  I wasn't going to have time to hang out the bias and I also wanted to secure the cut edges with my serger.  So I packed it up for finishing when I got home.

Unlike several workshop projects that get lost in the depths of the 'unfinished object' cupboard, I actually completed this one!  Yeah!

The fabric really is beautiful on the bias so I am glad I went in that direction.  And once it had a chance to hang for a bit, it was surprisingly easy to work with.  

Keeping with Carol's 'no waste' program, I used the pieces that were cut out to make the armholes as the collar.  I left edges raw and let the shape of the pieces dictate the organic form of the finished collar.

When I tried it on it was a wee bit short for an 'old lady' (let me qualify that, for my old lady legs!!), so I added a bias hem, again leaving the edges raw.  It breaks up the length, which works well for the 'vertically enhanced,' and is kind of a non-ruffle ruffle.  

Our theme for the workshop was "Three Easy Pieces."  The idea was to make pieces that would layer and work together in different ways.  I think this little dress hits the mark and will be a great layer...but for now it will have to work on it's own, until I get a few more spurts of time to make some other layers to keep it company!

The piece of fabric hanging behind the dress form is a fabulous piece of silk jersey that was 'eco-dyed' by one of our fellow DOL's.  She uses different leaves wrapped in the fabric to transfer the color and shapes.  She has been experimenting with all kinds of foliage and has some amazingly gorgeous pieces.  I am torn between simply wearing it as a scarf (it is a tube and looks great just bunched up around my neck) or actually making something else out of it.  For now it hangs around my studio inspiring me and reminding me of my new friend in Oregon.