Blended

draw Verge suit
add marker
cut out drawing
adjust on tea dyed fabric ground
cut out skirt for satin reverse applique
sew into place
applique fabric cut outs
gather tulle then sew under paper ruffle
add stitch lines
scan
merge scanner seams with big brush tool in Photoshop
color adjust the lights of the paper
(optional-change handbag to snake picture -copy, transform and paste...Photoshop)
publish

Education +/-

The self block by assumption ....in life it hides that which is under our noses, like ever look for something that is in a drawer and you can't find it, then go back the next day and there it is.

The self hypnotist, the assumer, plays with fashion all the time. Consider minis with unattractive legs, the great shoulder pad excess, corsets that caused fainting, hoops and panniers were all part of being in fashion. When "in fashion" is the proper attire of the day, we overlook a lot because it fits in with the current assumption!

Yet that same assumer gets us from point A to point B because we know the route and can depend on it.
So:
We best keep our wits about us and stay fresh -get a really good mirror...then again if you think you look good and that makes you feel good and so you work the illusion and it is effective, well then......ah, tis a puzzlement!

Einstein Hits

Chair refashion with "new" vintage barkcloth

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Mix with:
"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education."
Voila!
Got to love it. The ideas of the past cloud our perceptions of the future, yet they do show us patterns of human behavior, ie that which got us to the problem. So this is a problem that implies its own "cure"-its a giggle, no?

It's all full of downsidey/upsidey -a play of balance! So get good with change, with uncertainty and with that other 'knowing"... that core, center, solar (soul-ar) truth. Why not? as the rest is all hocus pocus in expensive suits. Then activate from body central and see what happens...dble dare ya!
More at the RIP

Knit Picking

This scarf is the result of an untangling. The knitter volunteers at the Sanctuary and feels everything can be useful. When she decided to create something new from a knotty, mess of yarns in a bin at this drop in art center, she chose to spend time reclaiming what many would consider to be trash. She is a marker in sustainability. It is the overall outcome of all of our choices that creates the societies we build, accept and empower, please choose wisely. It wouldn't hurt to take classes in environmental science either!

the Trees

White damask, black canvas and some Halloween special (cheap, minimal thread count) yard sale cotton became the backdrop i thought i was going to paint.

OK, i am getting deeper and deeper into this whole sustainable thing. As i advance i am asking more questions. It's a way to challenge myself to play with other possibilities and not do just whatever appears the easiest, most routine or otherwise obvious because of past teachings.

That this is good fun for brains and will keep them lively and sprite is a bonus. It is strange that what we sometimes think we want -comfort, is actually bad for us. What we need to keep fit and healthy are changes and challenges. (PBS, Brain Fitness and Neuroplasticity)

So i used what i had. The old damask cloth had a grape juice stain and the black fabric was culled from project remains. i am happier with these results than an old acrylic and butcher paper backdrop. (click on the detail shot to see fast, freeform stitch style)

When You Leave

leave an impression.

Last Saturday

at the Sanctuary, Patch showed up to work on his painting but the Art Center was too popular and the lottery system went into play. He had to wait on the porch with several other young people in the hope that a "winner" would leave. The place has the room and the inventory to host quite a few people but the staff/client ratio has to be kept in check; its a hard thing to have to shut doors against people ....
Patch is still working on his jacket....he says its always in process...like life.

Not a Label

Well it has been awhile but before i move away from the London Experience i have to say a bit about Not Just a Label and that is...they are innovative because of perspective and they are a good source for independent and new design and designers.
The gent i spoke with mentioned shows and networking but if you go to their site they will speak for themselves.
The toy soldiers are readymades with glitter added. They were chosen because they are easy to come by...which goes to show how fear, the commodity, is a cultural (almost global) norm. It takes courage to speak up and challenge the whole of tradition, the foundation of power and all the many facts that really aren't!

more FFS

Orsola de Castro started the label From Somewhere in 1997 to address pre-consumer waste and reproducibility in recycling for the fashion industry.

In 2006, Orsola and her partner Filippo Ricci, started Estethica, the sustainable fashion area at London Fashion Week. Her pro- active style has helped push sustainable fashion into the light of the everyday world.

Sanctuary Art Center

Michael in self style

Saturday morning i volunteer at the Sanctuary which is a drop in art making space for homeless teens. Next Saturday we are starting a quilt block wall hanging with patches, paint, fabric and what all ...if it can be sewn or applied in some way....well I am excited about actually having a project rather than just fixing the machines (again) and spontaneous sewing help.

This will be wonderful in multiple ways. I have met some talented, intelligent, eclectic, lovely people (new friends!) and i am happy to say that i have apologized for the mess some of us have made of this world out of ignorance, greed, fear and "its not my job" etc.

OK it's covered, we are forgiven; now let's work together for recovery, spirited growth and a better evolved look at our species, our capabilities and our responsibilities. No big deal just total 360 degree awareness and action and we can do it, pardon me
We Will Do It and the perk -it creates joy!

F F More

Timothy Han
handcrafts all-natural luxury products for the bath body and home. In the home line are soy candles which are a healthier alternative to paraffin based candles.

Remember, scent is molecules that detach from their origin and float up into your nose; where they attach themselves to receptors deep inside your nasal cavity. SO you are not only what you eat but what you breathe as well.

Think about it!

If you want to know more about the cosmetic industries mad science approach do a search on toxic makeup or cosmetics or....
ps: the EU has more stringent cosmetic guides; known carcinogens are banned faster than in USA.
PPS: That is my calling card in his hand, repurposed from my out of date sewing class flyers.

Fashion Future Summit cont.

Elena Garcia ecoCouture:
"Small designers need more support and suitable business models to follow in the aftermath of the financial meltdown of late. We no longer need to look at growth for growth's sake. We need people to appreciate craft and give us back our dignity."
October 28th 2008

Thank you Elena; I believe she speaks for many designers, artisans, artists and thoughtful people that are following their life's work potential and not the marketplace and it's distorted visions. However, we of the aforementioned need the support of the people in order to be economically viable. That is how we will all build the new sustainable model of our species life on this planet.

economic sustainability
social justice
ecological balance