Astar's Walking Talking Book Outfit
With Astar
Astar's Walking Talking Book Outfit
How lucky am I to be able to go behind the scenes and do a story on the Wearable Creationz awards in Rotorua this year... and terribly exciting to be able to make yet another creation to wear.
When my Tuesday and Thursday boss's Cinna and Marilyn advised that I could go, but I need to create something 'spectacular' to wear, I though how grand! I'll show you all how to create a something special for 'not too much'. Many hours have gone into the thought/design process insofar as what to make and I am very pleased with my "walking - talking book" concept.
Basically the dress (frock) is a nice 'little black number' made out of strong black drill, then further embellished with the most interesting printed comic book features... some of the printed panels have been padded and some left flat. But all have been backed with cotton fabric printed with inspirational words.
Things to gather
Black drill fabric
Comic book printed thermal backed drape fabric
Printed fabric with inspirational words
Padded Dacron filled quilting fabric
Matching cotton
Sewing machine
Frock pattern with inserted cummerbund or midriff section at
waist
Dress-making scissors
Double-sided backing iron-on fusing
Red fabric permanent paint or pen
1 can fabric fray stop - spray
... and lots and lots of patience - the job is fiddly!
Method
The pattern I used is a vintage Butterick with long set in
sleeves and a straight skirt, which I cut short knowing that the
long panel sections of the printed fabric would give me the desired
length when placed. Some of the panels have been padded and backed
because I wanted to achieve a 'kicked-out' or layered/tiered
effect.
The midriff on the pattern is to achieve a separation and strength
between the top and base (skirt) of outfit.
Cut out and make up frock as per manufacturer's instructions.
Insert back zipper, sleeves but leave sides open at this
stage.
Cut out all strips on both worded fabric and comic printed
fabric.
Cut backing to fit size of images cut.
Bring wrong sides of printed fabric together, and then place
quilted backing fabric behind.
LEAVE some of the smaller comic images un-backed. The reason
I suggest this is because some will be place inside the top portion
of the cummerbund or midriff section. If the fabric is too
bulky the portions will stick out to much and will make this
section tight-fitting.
Pin then stitch from what will be the side top, down sides across
bottom portion, then up other side of paneled images.
Repeat on all panels until you have sufficient to cover
dress.
Clip each corner before turning right sides out.
Press flat all images.
Zigzag or over-lock top edge opening.
With the worded printed fabric, cut out words and fuse onto the
fusing paper.
Decide where you want fused words to be placed on bodice, then peel
backing paper away and gently iron down into place.
Once the above has been attended to&
Place backed images in a pattern down front section of frock
working from small to bigger and longer portions towards hem in a
layered pattern.
Repeat on the back.
To stitch down, place on the reverse, but pointing up towards
neck. Pin then stitch down before turning back down.
Once all panels have been fixed, pin down both sides of
dress.
Turn over and neaten hem.
If the skirt is too short simply place more images.
Plus you might need to fix more down both sides.
My vision is for the fixed images to kick out and move as you
walk&
To further embellish
Take the fabric marker pen, and colour in the lips on some
of the characters, or inscribe some of your own words&
Once dry, simply iron to permanently fix to fabric. Read
manufacturer's instruction for heat setting and timing
requirements.
You might also need a belt to bring the outfit all together.
I found a wide belt then fused images to it.
I also decided to do the same with an old pair of shoes.
(Broadcast 7 August 2012)
