Almost every year my artist husband and I spend a few hours strolling through the booths at the Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair and so on Friday, July 25th that's where I was. David (the artist husband) had already walked the fair on his lunch hour since he works across the street, so most of our time was spent stopping at booths that interested me. What a shame! And, of course that meant textie artists and wearable art. I had a chance to chat with a few of the artists and as I did, I began to think about fabric, yarn and fibers in very different ways than I usually do and I loved the way many of them were seamed and hemmed on the outside with a serged rolled edge - most using black thread. We are not, of course, going to copy these designs and start traveling from fair to fair. That would be highly unethical! But take a look at some of these web sites, think about my comments and let me know what it sparks in you for your own personal wardrobe.
Sonya MacIntosh of SmARTWORKS (at left) loves knitting machines and felting. Her exquisitely artistic work is first knitted, then felted, then embellished with crocheted edgings. It was a joy just to stand and turn slowly in her booth gazing at the lovely creations on every wall. I wonder what I could I do with a little hand knitting, felting and a crocheted edge??? Click on 'Press Pass' to read more about what motivates Sonya.
You know you just can't find enough furniture for all the gorgeous home decor fabric we have at Pacific Fabrics & Crafts, but Lori O'Neill will inspire you to buy all those yummy pieces you love anyway. Her jackets, hats and handbags, showcasing precious gems and stones, have me planning my Fall wardrobe with delight while I'm wearing tank tops in the sun this month!
Mary Shemeta (at right) makes beautiful clothing from a beautiful fabric - Tencel.
Always one of my favorites and Mary turns it into wonderful, drapey art you can wear. Makes me want to head to the store and grab an arm full of Tencel to dreamy with!
Okay - this is really cool! Joanna Stasinzkis (at left) looks at silk and linen in a way you've never thought of before. Her "out there" hand dyed silk creations are called The Silk Project and I'm sure all the silkworms vie for a chance to be part of her garments. These are my very favorite fabrics and so . . . I've got to try dyeing now. You'll find me on the dye aisle at your nearest Pacific Fabrics & Craft store. That is if I'm not in the silk or linen department hugging bolts!
That should get you started - it certainly did me. Let me know what you think and what inspires you and let's stretch our textile brains together!
Annette
APNQ was great! I am not a traditional quilter, but loved the show for the ideas about putting all sorts of textures together. Fiber arts are amazing no matter what you are using them for! Love your comments and recipes! Great space for sharing.
Posted by: Ducky | August 16, 2008 at 11:08 AM