Well….that was fun. Sewing and quilting the Marcy Tilton Vogue Pattern V9035.
Last summer, I was introduced to the mother of a friend. We immediately connected over our shared love for all things textile. She showed me her new sewing machine and the projects she was working on and our time together passed quickly. Although she had a variety of needle crafts on the go, it was evident that quilting was her passion. After seeing her makes, I left with my head not only buzzing with ideas, but with a delightful little book on quilting in hand. I dipped my toes ever so briefly into the quilting waters shortly after when I made my Refashioned Mens Button Down Shirt. Then…in December…I quilted my gingham skirt. I like these makes, but they’re quilted fabrics, not quilted art…does that make sense? I had the fabrication that is quilting, but not the magic. I’ve long held a vague idea of integrating my artwork with my sewing with an end result being wearable art…but I just wasn’t sure how to get there. I’m not a complete novice when it comes to quilting. Years ago I made a…wait for it…quilt. And therein was the rub…how to make a garment using quilting techniques…without the end result looking suspiciously like a bed cover.
Well….as you can see…I came up with something….and I like it, I really like it! But whether this will be a one-of-a-kind, never to be repeated exercise, or a new rabbit hole, remains to be seen. It took a lot of time, but it was time pleasantly passed. I enjoyed assembling the fabric strips, and I had an absolute ball making my Quilted Art Girl. It’s just that…as much as I enjoyed the process….at the moment…I can’t see beyond using this technique…ermmm, that doesn’t feel like quite the right word…for anything but jackets and coats…and….really…how many Art Girl jackets does a girl need?
The pattern I used is Marcy Tilton’s Vogue Pattern V9035. Her design style is creative, artistic and playful….and I was hoping to channel all of that into my make. There are many elements in the pattern that I love…the back overlay, the neckline and the roomy pockets. That being said, I knew a few alterations would be necessary due to the quilted fabrication. I eliminated the extra fabric in the front pockets, {which involved drafting a new pattern piece} and I squared off the center front at the hemline. The self collar is designed to have a soft drape, but I wanted more structure…achieved with quilted facings. The pattern does not call for a lining, but I added one using the brilliant bagged method learned when making My Polka Dot Clare Coat. I made bound buttonholes and handmade buttons. My Quilted Art Girl was my first effort at applique quilting and, to be honest, an Internet search left me more confused than not….freezer paper and glue? I ended up cutting out my shapes freehand, ironing the raw edges under and machine stitching with a straight stitch. I painted Quilted Art Girl’s facial features with acrylic paint pens.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on clothing as wearable art. Do you have any suggestions beyond my own limited notion that jackets and coats are the only canvases where this has the potential to work?
And to wrap up….where am I? That’ll be me modeling on a floating runway at Fishermen’s Wharf, False Creek, Vancouver. Vancouver’s west end and a snippet of Granville Island are my supporting characters.
Linking up with:
Lovely Patti of Not Dead Yet Style for : : Visible Monday
Jacket : : Vogue Pattern V9035 by Marcy Tilton
Suzanne Carillo says
Oh Sue! You've really outdone yourself!
What a fabulous piece! You need to enter this in some kind of a contest where you can win a million bucks and a lifetime of vacations. You'd win and be set for life.
I can't imagine the patience that goes into creating something like this.
As for what else you can create, well I could easily see textile art hangings happening in your house. When they are this pretty one truly does need to hang them on the wall.
bisous
Suzanne
Cheryl says
That is freakin' amazing!
The question isn't how many Art Girl jackets does a girl need, but how many girls need an Art Girl jacket?
Sign me up for one.
Anonymous says
Wow, your art work paid off. Love it
Rhonda Buss says
I absolutely LOVE the whimsy of this jacket. What a fun piece. Truly a work of art!
amy mayen says
Wow, I'm loving every stitch. Especially her hair! Amazing work. I can't think of anything more perfect for this application than a jacket- but I won't be surprised if you come up with more ideas down the road.
Vix says
Ye Gods, that is fecking fabulous! Jon's just walked past, spotted you on the monitor and says to tell you that you're amazing! xxx
Louisa says
She's so perfectly you, Sue! It's both an amazing piece of art and absolutely wearable. Brava!
Shirl says
This is so delightful in so many ways. Looks so great with that shortness of skirt and leggings and boots. The only thing that comes to mind, haven't read other's posts yet, but possibly an area somewhere on one's jeans?? something smallish of course. Just throwing that out there. Don't laugh too hard.
Shirl
G says
Wow looks great. Very unique.
Curtise says
Oh my goodness, Sue – that jacket is fantastic! And it's YOU! You are so clever, I'm proud to call you Cousin!
I love everything about it. You could make an A line or a maxi skirt, or a tote bag, or a tunic, or a dress… Anything you like! More, more! xxx
Bianca S says
This is so fun! I love this so much! It is the epitome of fun fashion and is a delight to look at!
Louise Perry says
This is beyond amazing. It's fun and beautiful and wonderful. Go you!
Lisa D says
I love it!! And I have been waiting for you to make something like this for friggin' ever!! Now, if I send you a list of Koos, Tilton sisters and Sandra Betzina patterns, will you please interpret each of them for us?!?! Thank you so much:)!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oooh…I could totally go for a million bucks and a lifetime of vacations!
Years ago, I remember seeing an artist that used fabrics as her paint…fabulous work it was and I might even still have the magazine article somewhere. It's definitely something to consider! Thanks for bring it up because I had forgotten about that!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…and they would all be unique to the wearer. I guess that means yours would be turquoise and beachy!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you! It has been fun morphing art work into sewing.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you so much Rhonda! I can't wait to see what you create for the contest!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Amy! I agree…the hair is the best, and it was so fun to 'style'.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL, thanks Vix…and handsome Jon! You both see a lot of unique pieces in your biz, so the compliment is high praise indeed!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Louisa. I really do relate to this garment as a 'her' now. Happy to read that you do too!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Shirl! Not laughing at all! I think the possibility of jeans is entirely within the scope of wearable art!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks G! I think as sewers, we do make things unique and this is a way of achieving it beyond fabric selection. It was fun to do!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Curtise! Oh my goodness, just reading your suggestions is getting me excited. I'm beginning to realize that I can do so much more than what I was mentally limiting myself to.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Bianca! You've been on a roll {pun intended} yourself. I loved seeing the skirt you made with the roll of trim. I keep watching for more!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw…thanks so much Louise! Gosh, in thinking about you and your little ones, it's got me thinking about how kids clothing is often quilted or embellished. 🙂
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
hahahaha….thank you Lisa! If I read between the lines, I guess I am going down the rabbit hole, LOL. I may never get back out again.
Sew, Jean Margaret says
Fabulous!!! A wearable work of art. I look forward to seeing what you come up with next.
Connie says
It always takes me so long to comment on your posts because I have to go through and look at all the little details and special bits. This is so adorable and cheerful and impressive. I can just imagine that when the fabric sees you coming into the store it gets so excited and starts thinking, “Please, Ms. Sue, pick me. Pick Me!!!! I want to be your next beautiful project. Puleeeeze pick me!”
Rachel Turnbow says
Oh gosh, I can think of so many ways you could incorporate both quilting and your art into your apparel sews… t-shirts come immediately to mind, but so do things like linings (I love surprise linings), pants pockets, embroidery, top stitching alternatives…. some of it could be large, and some could be sly and tiny. Beautifully done, and I, also, admire the entire outfit. How fun!!!
Flo says
THIS. IS. AWESOME! I am blown away, it turned out fantastic and the fact that you made the buttons and the design yourself makes it even better. I bet it's a terrific jacket for this time of year too, not too warm, but cozy at the same time. Great job!
Louise Perry says
Oh yes there's lots of scope for playing with kids clothes and embellishments, they love it all the more when it's fancy.
señora Allnut says
Absolutely Fabulous Jacket, I'm admiring your skills and style to créate something so original and genuine. Lovely pattern, but you rock it with your patchworking! (and lovely buttons!)
besos
Val S says
Sue's magic fingers strike again! That jacket is amazing, and it looks like that seagull is trying to steal it from you. I love the mix of patterns you quilted together (and the gingham and polka dots on your outfit) and OMG the buttons! You really have a talent for pulling it all together in a package of perfection!
Cheryl says
Oooo, I can almost picture it!
Merche Martinez says
Wow, Sue! Really special. A piece of art. Lost for words!
No Fear of Fashion says
Absolutely stunningly beautiful. And you know you can trust me when I compliment you. This is so beautiful. Not just the art girl but also the pieces at the bottom. the composition, the buttons. So well done. Everything is art. and I love this sweater with the gingham skirt (only 1 picture…). Better than the white sweater. I remember the Refashioned Mens shirt, which you know I also loved. Good ideas to have the neckline more structured and the front end straight.
As for ideas for wearable art…. shirts: T-shirts, silk tops.. That kind of work. So on textile but not quilted (too heavy). Painted? Or.. can you do small art pieces? So you can use them on clothes without overpowering an item. Perhaps even like the little portraits rich men received from a girl they might want to marry. Scarves? Which presents a difficulty. I have a beautiful scarf with lots of coloured dots. You don't see what it is as you tie a scarf, but unfolded it is a giant hamburger. Perhaps art in a corner of a scarf which you can still see when the scarf is tied? If you make too many items: sell them at a ridiculously high price. It is handmade and unique. The higher the price, the more desirable it gets.
Greetje
Patti says
So gorgeous – a wonderful color and pattern mix, and a beautiful setting too. I just adore what you create. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Jean! I confess that my next few makes might be boring in comparison, LOL. We'll see…
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Well thank you for taking the time Connie. I appreciate it! If fabric is calling me, then does that let me off the hook for my fabric spending sprees, LOL?
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oh Yes! Thank you Rachel! Wouldn't a surprise lining be the best!!!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank YOU Flo! You're absolutely right. The jacket is just the right weight and warmth for early spring! Yay!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you, thank you! The buttons are becoming a bit of a fun obsession.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Val! I just loved seeing the seagull in that photo. It was a keeper for sure!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Merche…thank you! Your words, or lack thereof, mean so much!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
My heart is bursting with pride Greetje! Thanks for your kind words!
T-shirts….now that you've mentioned them, and in the context of them not actually being quilted…well, now I have some new and fun ideas forming. Thank you! Sometimes, hidden artwork that is only revealed infrequently, has it's own special charm, as in your playful scarf.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you so much Patti! We had fun on the wharf…although I was extra cautious when my husband kept telling me to back up further, LOL.
Pursuit99 says
Just lovely. I think this is my favorite creation of yours. The colors and the quilting are perfect as are the proportions and lines of the jacket and skirt. YOu look great. Well done!
Hana Velvet Ribbon says
This is absolutely gorgeous! You are a truly art girl, Sue! Love every details of this masterpiece 🙂 xxx
Heather Gibson says
Sue this is amazing!! I love the girl! I think you can do this kind of artwork on jackets, but what about on the back of shirts, jean jackets, and the front of sweatshirts. Remember that cool White Russian sweatshirt from Capital Chic – it has some cool quilting designs. You could totally do something like that.
pao says
Oh my! There goes Sue in another of her art girl treasures of pure sewing pleasure! How does she do it? No one knows. She just comes up for air, every now and again, wearing a never-before-seen amazing creation. woo-hoo for you-who.
Andrea says
Fabulous jacket! Love the backdrop of your photos! A floating runway – fun!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you so much! It was a bit of a gamble with the proportions, but I too, am pleased with the result. It may seem like a little detail, but proportion, line, silhouette…all so important to the completed look!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw, thank you Hana! You're right, I guess I really am an art girl. xoxo
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hey thanks Heather! I had to look up that pattern, and wow…what a great lead for inspiration! I also think knit sweatshirt cotton would be so fun to sew!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…how very poetic Pao! LOVE!LOVE!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Andrea! It was indeed a fun location…being out on the wharf surrounded by fishing vessels and pleasure boats! Hope to be back there again in the future!
Anna Parkes says
WOW! What a wonderfully unique piece of art you've created there Sue. How I envy you your skills and artistic talent. If I'm in the learners class of sewing, then you are surely the tutor of the soon-to-be graduates – inspired and inspirational. You could surely sell these? Wonderful stuff, am so pleased for you. Thanks for sharing x
Anna
Anna's Island Style
oona balloona says
sue, this is TOO MUCH FUN!!! which is not to say it should be outlawed, just, everything in the surrounding vicinity needs to raise the fun bar, yo.
hilary says
I'll tell you how I add appliqué to fashions. I sew used dryer sheets to the right side of my appliqué cut-out. Then I cut a slit in the dryer sheet, turn it inside out so its on the back of my appliqué. Press it so none of the dryer sheet shows. Now no more raw edges. Then I can place the pieces where I want them. At this point, I like to get a decorative thread and use one of my decorative stitches on my machine to stitch it down. Now that becomes a design element. Instead of fabric paint, I thread paint. You can utube “thread painting”. It's mesmerizing and you can get really creative at this point. Thread painting is an art movement in and of itself. You can really embellish the style and fabric with this technique. Have fun. You are already way ahead of the process because you naturally think outside the box.
Lisa D says
Surrender, Dorothy! Seriously now, what will you do with Koos' jacket, V.1493? Don't you just get weak in the knees looking at those sleeves?!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
….like jelly…
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oh, thank you so very much Anna! I myself am constantly finding inspiration form sewing blogs, and to be thought inspirational to others is very high praise. xo
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…sez she, the walking, talking definition of TOO MUCH FUN…xo
Pam Carlson says
OMG, I love it! The buttons are a perfect addition to your colorful, artistic jacket.
Lynn says
That is fantastic! I love it. I can see a wearable art vest. I wear vests a lot during the cool/cold months. Also, skirts or dresses. Also hats. Just about anything really.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oooh…I'm getting a bit goose-bumpy about the concept of thread painting. I know nothing of it and so…hi-ho, hi-ho…off to utube I go. THANK YOU! And reading how you prepare your applique cut-outs…wot, brilliant! I admit I touched the hot iron to my fingers more than once when doing it the way I did, so thanks bunches for that Hilary!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Pam! Can you imagine…I'm dreaming up outfits to make that need handmade buttons, LOL.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Lynn. Well…I have a Marcy Tilton vest pattern, so maybe for fall? And HATS! That is really cool idea! One could really have fun with hats! Because we are heading into dress season here, I am starting to imagine a dress with some artful additions!
Melanie says
Sue, Sue, Sue! How could I have missed this?! Yes, because I am a failure at commenting lately, I hang my head. This is STUNNING, stunning!! How dare you not slap me earlier for not mentioning anything. Your art girl is amazing. Your choice of colours and patterns and the overall design, well, yes, you are definitely ready to win a million. I can see the time and care that went into this and so can everyone else. They need to put you on the pattern envelope!!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Mel, Mel, Mel….LOL. To be honest, I did think about your absence and then I forgot about your absence, 'cause that's just how my brain rolls these days. Anyways, your words do mean A LOT….thank YOU! It was a fun artful exercise, and I do hope to play some more.
PS I'm always ready to win a million {$}