Thursday, March 10, 2011

My Creative Space - Fabric first


A friend of mine asked me to make her a dress. It was one of those requests where there are no firm guidelines about what she actually saw in her mind so I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do. It wasn't until I read Ingrid's wonderful post about Zandra Rhodes that I realised how I'd gone about it. [Don't get me wrong here, I'm NOT suggesting any comparable link between myself and the magnificent Zandra!] I just thought it was interesting how one approaches dress design; the process you develop for yourself... and I realised I start with the fabric, it's all about the fabric really.


So, I began by designing a fabric for my friend... pottering around with colour and pattern and placement until I'd put together a design that screamed her name to me...


... I added detail to draw it all together...


... then I threw it over the mannequin and just looked at it... I was looking at how the fabric draped and thinking about what kind of dress design would best suit it.


I started playing around with a few ideas, pinning the fabric into shape to see if it would work, and I think I've decided on the style on the right (below).


I'll just play with some details around the neckline and then I'll start cutting and sewing :)


What's in your creative space today? Visit Kirsty at Kootoyoo to see more.
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28 comments:

  1. gretMarch 10, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Oh wow, so impressive, it looks great.

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  2. TaniaMarch 10, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    You blow my socks off with your creative processing.

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  3. belinda marshallMarch 10, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    omg! totally agree with tania!
    this is brilliant. and yes to sweden!
    xx

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  4. teddybearswednesdayMarch 10, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    I'm with Tania, gobsmacked by your creativity. And seriously in love with this new print/fabric, I think it's my favourite so far. ( in a very very high league)
    you're amazing.
    xo

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  5. MaxabellaMarch 10, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Wow, I love your work! It's brilliant, Kylie! x

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  6. june at noonMarch 10, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Wow. I'm totally impressed, and it's so very cool to see your process. What a completely unique piece of clothing she'll have!

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  7. posie blogs Jennie McClellandMarch 10, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    That is a complete SHOW STOPPER, who could possibly walk past that without asking "who is the amazing person who made that??" Love Posie

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  8. AlisaMarch 10, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Hi Kylie, This always was such an inspiring place to visit and it still is, more than ever! It's been a while since I dropped by, hope you've been well and happy. ps. Happy Birthday for the other day! : )

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  9. belinda marshallMarch 10, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    ooh, the artcamp thing sounds perfect! i think she did one last year, so chances are. how fun would it be ;)

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  10. mel @ loved handmadeMarch 10, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    You've taken my breath away!! WOW, those colours on that gorgeous natural fabric just beautiful!

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  11. Christina LowryMarch 10, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    I can not for the life of me remember how I stumbled across your blog, but I do know that with each new post I am grateful for the chance click that led me here. Your fabric design is amazing. The layering, tones and textures are perfect. Loving the idea of a simple style that shows off that fabric! :)

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  12. The above fore-mentioned.March 10, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    I need a pattern to even consider making a dress, so I am so impressed at how you can just play around with ideas and come up with something so original and stunning. I am sure your friend will love it!

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  13. Mitsy / ArtMindMarch 10, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Amazing fabric design, Kylie! Your friend is so lucky to have a unique 3sheets-dress! It looks rad already - probably don't know what superlatives to use when it's ready! :) You can see you really enjoyed making this especially for her! :)

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  14. MiaMarch 10, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    WOW!!!!!! This is sensational - really. I love those raw little details around the neckline too. Great job!

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  15. yardage girlMarch 10, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Wow - super impressive and beautiful. I just love your fabric!

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  16. OotyMarch 10, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    amazing fabric! I love what you did with it - seems like great fun!

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  17. laccentnouMarch 10, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    I'm watching excited how your created the fabric! Just amazing!

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  18. Anna BartlettMarch 11, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    What a wonderful way to start a dress. So happy to see it!

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  19. annamaria potamitiMarch 11, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    Brilliant!!Fabulous dress Kylie-

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  20. Some Korean Website HighjackerMarch 11, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    i simply find your creative process a complete and utter inspiration. thank you for sharing the steps and thought patterns that bring you to the end result. which is STUNNING!

    standing ‘O’, from a reader who loves what you do! ♥

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  21. blue mossMarch 11, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    very very very cool!! i love it

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  22. Cath @ chunkychookyMarch 11, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    ARE YOU SERIOUSLY A GENIUS!!???? I am having heart palpatations over that. I love it so much, I would buy it in a shop if I saw it and would justify paying a lot for it!!! I think it is one of the best things I have ever seen....in the first picture I thought it was a little smock with sleeves and was over the moon excited... i like what you ended up doing but i love a smock... I am going to keep coming back and looking at this for days!!!

    I love it! I love the fabric so much.

    I am jealous of your friend who i hope appreciates your brilliance.

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  23. CindyMarch 11, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Great to see the process Kylie. I like your style. Happy Birthday for Wednesday too!

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  24. KateMarch 12, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    You are amazing Kylie!
    I think that is one of the most inspired and stunning dresses I have ever seen. Wow! And thank you so much for sharing it with us.

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  25. Cathy {tinniegirl}March 12, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    That fabric is absolutely incredible Kylie. I love it. The colours and textures are so beautifully combined. The dress is going to be absolutely amazing.

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  26. Ingrid MidaMarch 15, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    Hi Kylie,
    I am in awe of your creative talents and see lots of connections between your work and Zandra's. Do drop by to see some close-ups of her work that you might find inspiring.

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  27. AnonymousMarch 17, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    You are the bomb K. I mean that with all my heart. You don't need any course - it's innately in you. Aim high and soar. MP XXXOOO

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  28. allySeptember 22, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    that is the most stunning fabric
    wow!

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