Back in January I went to the Denver Art Museum to see the DIOR exhibit. I didn’t know exactly what to expect but I love seeing fashion and textile work up close. It didn’t disappoint! There were rooms and rooms full of DIOR fashion as the HOUSE OF DIOR morphed from one designer to the next. Each designer had a different vision and perspective which was carefully curated and explained with props. Headphones offered more detailed explanations. It was so cool to see all the dresses up close and you were even allowed to take pictures!!! I have been feverishly painting all the gowns because THEY ARE AMAZING and so inspiring!!!!
This gown had the most stunningly ridiculous beadwork which I tried to recapture in a painting but then I had to also do a miniature embroidered gown with little french knots.
This red one really had me swooning.
Could a pale pink be any more delicate than this one?
A series of dramatically displayed black dresses represented flowers and stems. This one was a flower while there were very fitted straight skirts representing the stems.
I honestly was daydreaming that if I could have that place to myself I would play dress up and try every one of these things on for a spin!! Not that they would even fit on my pinkie but hey, in my daydream they fit perfectly:)
What finally got to me was seeing the REAL sketches with tiny swatches of fabric! To die for!
Is it just me or does this make anyone else’s heart go pitter-patter? I can’t stand it!
I have been wanting to do something with these little sketches so I decided to embroider them. Once I got started I couldn’t stop making them. They just make my heart so happy. They are great as just simple silhouettes or embellished with little beads. I haven’t really even figured out what to do with them but I can’t stop making them!
Above is what I like to use for transferring a printable embroidery pattern. You can print your design right from you inkjet printer onto these sheets. There is an adhesive back to stick it to the surface of your choice . Stitch your design then it rinses right off with warm water. You can also trace designs onto these sheets since they are transparent so I save all my leftovers and use them for smaller traceable designs.
I embroidered them using white and pink so they would stand out on the dark denim. I added tiny beads for earrings and buttons.
In the words of Stevie Wonder, isn’t she lovely?
I love that the sketches are suggestions and they are missing heads and arms but still have such a grace and elegance.
After experimenting on denim I really just wanted to try a simple black on white which I really liked.
It feel like it retains it’s sketch-like quality in black and white.
Then I started experimenting with different thread colors and beads.
I can’t stop.
Here they are with the stick-n-washaway rinsed off. Wouldn’t these be awesome on little napkins for a tea? I am planning on making a zipper pouch with one of these sewn on for make-up and girly things. I also think these would be so cute framed and hung in a bedroom.
If you are feeling inspired there are so many great fashion sketches online you could use to play around with. I have a feeling this won’t be the last one I embroider.
Happy stitching and thanks for stopping by.
Warmly,
Pam