FROCK ON! NEWCASTLE

As mentioned in my previous post, I've entered the Frock On! Competition here in Newcastle. The deadline was last Friday and the Gala Parade is this Saturday 27/6/09 at The University of Newcastle. The event not only provides an opportunity for designers to show their wares, but, more importantly, it is a Fundraiser for children with Autism.

This post is about my other entry, in the Recycled Threads category (or UPCYCLED??)... Firstly, buy some 2nd Hand 100% Woollen jumpers - easier said than done .....

Unpick them .... (or deconstruct as would be said in a Textiles Technology Syllabus)

Throw them in the washing machine, give them a HOT WATER wash .....

Hey presto! Felted Wool ....

Now, my original intention was to use all of these, join them up, to make a long line jacket, where each panel would be a block of colour .... however, the whole joining together thing was looking not sew great, and rather like a patchwork hobo blanky.....

Having taken a fresh look at the individual pieces of the little blue number, I decided to pin prick my lovely lady assembling the pieces to look like this ...... the two front pieces are the old sleeves, the old collar is the new halter neck ...

And the old front and back are draped for a sexy low back ... (hey! I don't have to wear it!)

Sew that is the plan for that ... then came along this doozy - I'm thinking late 1960's??? I do like the texture ....... there's a whole lotta synthetic happening here ....

I wanted something a bit cute and a tad leggy to go with the blue top ....

Sew, it's Burda to the rescue .... the little white shorts with the skirt overlay (remembering - IT'S NOT FOR ME!!!!)

Here's all that is left of that full length dress ....

The result ....

Back to the reconstruction of the deconstruction .... the chunky zipper - too white .....

Hit it with the Liquid Radiance "dye" .....

It really isn't the vibrant Peacock Blue you see before you!

I used nylon transparent thread throughout - most of the seams are on the right side, most of the joins are just overlays .... I didn't want any extra bulk ..... and here she is .....

My lovely lady doesn't have legs, so the shorts / skirt is just pinned to the front (she's such a good sport!).....

I quite like the exposed edges, they are a little bit dreadlocky ...

Lots of fun, trial and experimentation - it's good to have a go at something out of the ordinary, especially for a worthy cause. Come on Newcastle support the Frock On! Gala Parade - get your tickets here.