What I’ve been up to…
Once again I have been remiss in keeping you informed of my projects over the past few months. There’s been a lot going on… mea culpa!
Walking Skirts – I have made two for personal use to try out a couple of patterns. I made the first one from a thrift store tablecloth that I found at the Assistance League Thrift Store in Wallingford. This skirt deviates from the pattern and has a bit of a tail in order to preserve the border embroidery. It also features a pleated back, with buttons at the sides for size adjustment, and a single deep pocket.
My second skirt is also made from second-use cotton yardage, acquired from ReCreative in Seattle’s Greenwood district. It has a single closure at center back and nearly perfectly matched stripes, though it sadly lacks pockets. Both of these skirts were sheer enough that I have also made 2 pair of Edwardian style bloomers (not shown here) from damask tablecloths to wear under them and which are surprisingly comfy.
The Next Art Coat – a work still in progress involves disassembling a wedding dress which I plan to incorporate into a sleeveless vest inspired by a 17th century men’s waistcoat. This is the bodice, which I have now finished beading and over-embroidering. It originally fastened in the back but I have reversed it so it now opens down the front. The sleeve cuffs will become pocket flaps. Stay tuned for the finished work later this year or early next.
Paper Arts – I paused textile work in August to make Moroccan-inspired paper lanterns for a community event called Luminata, a lantern festival that celebrates the Fall Equinox and which this year was attended by about 5,000 people at Green Lake Park in Seattle. I also ran the event and organized workshops leading up to that event for the Fremont Arts Council, which is why you haven’t heard from me for the past few months.
Going medieval – I have been producing 14th century inspired clothing for a musician friend. A linen hood with liripipe, a parti-colored wool sideless surcoat, a black wool tunic, and undertunics (not shown) in damask and Egyptian cotton which my friend dyed indigo. The garments shown here are made from piecing remnants together to make yardage. The undertunics were both made from thrift store textiles.
I am now making cording with an early period tool called a lucet, which I have seen affectionately referred to as a medieval fidget. It’s pretty addictive and keeps my hands busy while I’m watching the nightly YouTubes.
I am also breaking back into performance art by learning how to drum, and play clavicord and hurdy gurdy. While many people my age keep mentally agile by doing crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, my path is learning to sight read music and sing in Latin in addition to these new (to me) instruments. Wish me luck : )
