Clothing from Art

I recently ordered fabric from Spoonflower for the first time, after a project was hatched with some work colleagues to bring our research to life by printing it on fabric and wearing it.

The four of us are organising a symposium next month about copyright and cultural heritage (broadly speaking), and we chose images associated with my friend's open source exhibition project: http://displayatyourownrisk.org/  

I chose to make a repeating pattern from the corner of a Van Gogh painting:

I am now the proud owner of 2 yards of cotton sateen and am undecided on my choice of pattern. A shift dress would be a good way to show off the print:
 However I am veering towards this vintage New Look Maudella pattern:
 
I have made this once (as yet unblogged!) and wasn't particularly taken with it. However this is mostly due to the fabric choice and the fact it needs an adjustment to fix the neckline. I wore it yesterday and got nice comments from a couple of workmates, which always helps!

I'm pretty sure I could squeeze this out of 2 yards as the fabric is pretty wide, and I think the bodice style would show off the fabric nicely. Or maybe the shift dress would be better? I can't decide! Any thoughts on pattern choice welcome!

K x

8 comments:

  1. Cool fabric! I can't wait to see how it looks as a dress!

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  2. This is such a cool project Kerry!! I love the whole concept of using your research in this way...and of using your sewing/crafting in your work! Can't wait to see the finished project. I like the Maudella...seems suitably swishy for such gorgeous fabric! x

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  3. What a amazing idea! This will be great. I like the Maudella pattern, it's a lovely shape.

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  4. Another vote for the Maudella pattern! That lovely fabric deserves a swishy skirt. I'd love to know your thoughts on the quality of the Spoonflower fabric. I have a semi-formed idea for something rattling around in my head, and can't find the exact fabric. Printing it would be great, so your opinions/experience would help! Thanks!

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    1. I think it seems like good quality - you can get a pack of fabric swatches pretty cheaply to check out weights etc. We'll have to see how well it wears over time. Working out the design was a bit tricky and I had a friend who did that part for me as she is good with Photoshop and similar

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  5. That is such a fabulous idea. Your fabric looks absolutely amazing. I have been very curious as t the quality of the printing and the colour reproduction from Spoonflower. Is it worth the purchase? The Maudella dress is lovely. Those panels would look great. Xx

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    1. I was pleased with how my design looked and I would order again, I think. There wasn't much in the way of colour loss on the first wash but time will tell how well it wears

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  6. What fantastic fabric, I love it but I think I'd be terrified to cut it. x

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Thanks for reading and commenting - I love to hear what you have to say