It started out as a skirt thing. I was just going to sew up a few skirts made out of old T-shirts. Then I thought I'd embellish one of them Alabama Chanin Style.
Here are the skirt panels laid out with some of the stenciling and stitching and cutting done.
Even the simplest design takes forever to complete.
Forever being relative of course.
For this one I stenciled and stamped some of the panels.
Horrible photos; sorry folks. Right now it's all about the projects.
Of course one things leads to another. Especially when you're online looking at all the great stuff other people have made.
So in preparation for a "real" Chanin challenge I sewed up this short tunic to make sure of the fit. Raised the neckline. Snipped 1" off each strap because I'm short waisted.
It's all about the comfort and fit. Cotton jersey. Soft like your pj's.
I did a chain stitch around the neckline, etc. and I'm sure lousy at it. I'll try a different stitch next time.
Okay, I've got the fit, now to start on the big project.
I've got a long skirt, 2 layered long sleeved bolero and 2 layered long tunic started. I'm going to be stitching all summer. Oh, and that stencil? On heavy paper, really hard to cut. Took me an entire day just to cut it out. Aargh!!
But hey, there's all kinds of other stuff happening too.
Painting stuff.
The thing we do that makes us so very happy and that's an exploration, a discovery, a dive down the rabbit hole of "what if"?
I'm going to be teaching a one day class on painting here in Portland at the Collage store on NE Alberta in December. It's the first Saturday; yes, a long way off from today but we can start to make plans and reserve spaces. I'll talk a little about how I get my ideas onto canvas and we'll all have a go at mixing colors and making discoveries together. To me, the best thing about painting is that the idea in your imagination is never the image that's manifested on canvas; instead we get a surprise, a search and a revelation. It's more than just paint.
I hope some of you can join me in class. Mark your calendar.
Go here for more details.
I adore that long skirt! So cool you are doing this. Well be there soon. When are you free? Know I'm babysitting tomorrow! After that?? Ill call. So hope we can get together!!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness...when do you sleep? Travel, teaching, encaustics, cold wax, painting, amazing journals, and now creating original clothing. Oh, forgot the gardening and preserving...you are truly a one-of-a-kind Renaissance Woman....so admire you, your talent and stamina. smiles; sharon
ReplyDeleteWow Judy you have been busy. These all look fabulous. So much work involved in your intricate cut outs and stencil.The patchwork skirt reminds me of the coat from Patsy. Happy stitching. xo
ReplyDeletelove seeing people make/alter clothing-the stencil may have taken all day but it's to die for!
ReplyDeleteLove all of these, especially the stencilled tunic. I've been on a sewing binge lately too and now you've gone and inspired me to stencil some fabric...these are wonderful; keep having fun and thanks for sharing your bounless creativity with us!
ReplyDeleteWonderful - your many talents never cease to amaze me! Is there ANYTHING that you aren't good at?
ReplyDeletexo,
Kathleen
Judy, I adore those skirts. They are perfectly comfy looking and perfectly one of a kind. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteWOW GIRL, this are so cool! way to go! xo
ReplyDelete"THESE" ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the soft skirt idea, especially with the stenciling and color blocking. I knew I saved those tee shirts for something. Of course it would help if I had a trim body like yours!
ReplyDeletePS. Your wax pieces showed very well indeed at Lakewood Center during Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts. It was good to see your work in person.
ReplyDeleteYou're the coolest, Judy Wise. Always inspiring my socks off.
ReplyDeletevery cool...what medium did you use for stenciling on fabric?...
ReplyDeletevery cool...what medium did you use for stenciling on fabric?...
ReplyDeleteI really like those clothes - I bought the books last year...I think I'm going to HAVE to go for it now I've seen yours!!!!Your stencilling is lovely - very very worth the effort madam!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful skirts, I can't believe they're made from t-shirts!!
ReplyDeleteOh my! You really did fall down the rabbit hole! I love what you're doing. The skirt and tank are fabulous:D I've got 2 of her books and have yet to do anything. One of these days... xo
ReplyDeleteAs always your blog is so inspiring! I've been a big fan of "Alabama" style for quite some time. Are you wearing these at Encaustic Camp this year?!
ReplyDeleteSee you soon...and am tempted to drive down for your Portland class in Dec.!
Yes, Dogwood House, I'll try to remember to bring some to EncaustiCamp. And Shelley, I used acrylic with GAC 900 to make the paint into textile friendly. Thank you everyone. If you like her style the sewing is really doable so I'd encourage you to give it a whirl.
ReplyDeleteYou ARE totally wearing these all week at ECamp my Judy!??? :))) Adore~ makes me pine for my sewing machine all the more!!!!
ReplyDeletexo big
Love it Judy!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this, so funny you are doing this as I just drool over Alabama Chanin. I've done a few tshirts but no projects as big as this! Wowza. And you know we can make those stencils for you lickety split. Would love to see new designs and obviously peeps want to buy them :)
ReplyDeleteHi, I just wanted to tell you that I am reading through your blog right now (I'm in the 2008 posts) and I had to tell you, your pictures, your words, your writing, your life, you are such an inspiring woman, thank you for sharing it all!
ReplyDeleteGabrielle from Montreal, Canada
Okay, so you are doing the AC t-shirt with the seam down the front. I wanted to do that one next but it wouldn't fit on my thrifted t's, so have gone back to the two piece one. It is great to find another hand-sewing AC enthusiast.
ReplyDeleteOkay, listen to me, missy. You save a seat in that class for me. I'm tired of being late to register for EVERYTHING. And December in Portland? are you kidding? I bet the place is overrun with tourists!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment is going a different way than I'd intended.
My POINT is, I'm making plans. My partner can do whatever, but I'm going to Portland in December.
Now, back to the reverse applique. This is such cool stuff. How did you stitch those so perfectly?
never mind. i can't sew.
PhotLove the idea of using old Tshirts! I've been revamping them into skirts too, but just serging the panels together. I'm also very addicted to Alabama Chanin. Have made several very time consuming pieces but when they're done........they're stunning. Glad you shared.
ReplyDelete