Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Definitely Twisted

Another slightly-wrong weather forecast (and a deadline met early) gave me reason to whip up a new top... and gave me a break from the computer.
The body of this top is a single piece of fabric - twisted, sewn and generally hacked into shape, with a couple of (freehand cut) sleeves sewn into randomly-placed (and freehand cut) armholes.

I'm not really sure how I did it or if I could repeat it... trying it on, whipping it off and doing a bit more "overlocker patternmaking", trying it on again, trimming bits off.... It's truly sculptural clothing (....as in "get a piece of fabric and cut away all the bits that don't look like a twisted, draped top").

And yes - that is the bustle skirt (again). I did a final tweaking on it and think it's ok now.

This was another sculpture piece that began as a 3 metre length of cotton-linen and a vague notion of what it might make. I have plans for a re-working of the idea. Next time I'll make some changes (and perhaps even a pattern or a formula..) and I'll document the process in case it works.

And I'll get someone else to take the photos next time. Have you ever tried to take a (preferably flattering) photo of clothing detail on your own behind...? Not easy.
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21 comments:

  1. mériOctober 28, 2009 at 9:31 PM

    I do love your twisted cloths, Nikki!Really!
    x

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  2. Gay McDonellOctober 28, 2009 at 9:31 PM

    Just too good - and really, behind shots - are you sure you haven't air brushed anything? oops silly me, that's all out now isn't it!

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  3. AndiOctober 28, 2009 at 9:41 PM

    Unbelieveable!!
    Love the skirt.
    Love the top.
    You blow me away!!!

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  4. soozOctober 28, 2009 at 9:41 PM

    The Top! Even better than skirt!! For feck's sake this is just mean posting this stuff without letting us know how to make it too!!! I feel all feint with jealousy!!!! And overuse of exclamation points!!!!!

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  5. thornberryOctober 28, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    Bloody hell Nikki you are just TOO GOOD at all this! The top is brilliant!!!! The skirt is divine!!!! I have Sooz explanation mark disorder now and am equally envious of your many talents.

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  6. UnknownOctober 28, 2009 at 10:36 PM

    Love the top. I hope your "deadlines" still allow you time to come back and post a tutorial sometime soon.

    The skirt looks awesome - but what is it like to sit down in, I wonder?

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  7. SallyOctober 28, 2009 at 10:43 PM

    You're twisted sister!
    I think the top & the skirt are both beyond great, fantastic, awesome... on so on...
    You're out of this world talented.

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  8. LieslOctober 29, 2009 at 12:19 AM

    Ah, how I wish I could do something clever and beautiful like that. I'll just have to stick to my good old Buttericks!

    (And for the record, I have never tried to photograph my behind, as I don't own a panoramic lens)

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  9. GinaOctober 29, 2009 at 7:59 AM

    Nikki, you are truly a style and sewing guru. I want to be like you when I grow up! I'm not one for patterns but any formulas you wish to chuck my way would be greatly appreciated. I just love the twists and furls and crumples, yet so shapely and tailored too. Sewing GODESS!

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  10. JodieOctober 29, 2009 at 8:11 AM

    I love the top a LOT but that skirt just kills me !!!!

    You are unstoppable.

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  11. NikkiOctober 29, 2009 at 8:12 AM

    Looks great Nikki.... yet again! I love how "hacked" and "random" are used to describe the process and yet you end up with something so fab.

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  12. JesOctober 29, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    Absolutely FABULOUS top! Love it. You are amazing.

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  13. Kelly CasanovaOctober 29, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    Great top! You make it sound and look so easy.

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  14. FerOctober 29, 2009 at 1:45 PM

    Man I just can't get over your skill! After sewing for most of my life it's only now that I feel bold enough to go beyond a pattern. You make it look so easy!!

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  15. AnonymousOctober 29, 2009 at 4:32 PM

    Awesome!

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  16. PinktulipOctober 29, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    Wow! That skirt is awesome! The top is my favorite though. I have made several cross-over jersey tops myself recently, but from a pattern in the Burda magazine. I have been sewing clothes for years, but I don't think I can just twist fabric and make a fabulous top like you do! Is there anything you are not good at?

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  17. handmaidenOctober 29, 2009 at 9:22 PM

    love that raspberry twisted top and have to make some of those bibs they are adorable

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  18. CathieOctober 30, 2009 at 2:29 PM

    very twisted & very yummy colour aswell. love your creations, love your style...and the behind, well I wouldn't bother photographing mine :)

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  19. SherrinOctober 30, 2009 at 7:44 PM

    I love your 'twisted' clothing! You're inspiring me to spend some time doing some creative 'twisted' sewing!

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  20. AnonymousOctober 31, 2009 at 11:19 AM

    what fun and how inspiring. i don't know much about sewing and patterns but love to make stuff up. your one fabric shirt gave me great inspiration. I took an old skirt that no longer fit, cut arms whole in it, tuck, snip, and a cute new shirt. alicia stokes

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  21. McKennaJanuary 22, 2010 at 3:06 PM

    I love the skirt and top. I've just discovered your blog and am in awe of your creativity. Keep up the wonderful blog. I'll be checking back (and - post the skirt pattern. I'd buy it!)
    McKenna

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I LOVE to read your comments and they brighten my day. I can't respond unless your profile has an email address attached, though... And some days I simply don't have time to respond.... but I respond in a telepathic sort of way to each and every comment.
xxx Nikki