Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A little idea I've been toying with....

...Oooh, since before I made the Bustle Skirt.... I've carried it around in my head, imagining the effects and the possibilities, but until yesterday, I didn't get around to actually TRYING it....I made a cotton lawn/voile variation-weave version of my pattern-free trapese-line top (instructions in my book). Using myself as a tailor's dummy, I played around with where to decrease volume and increase texture. I then drew in a few lines between the widest points of the "decrease volume" area with a white marker pen. (You could use chalk if you wanted to wash the garment before wearing it - I wanted to be able to wear it straight away so opted for a disappearing marker pen).
Then I took the top off and neatened up the lines (and drew a few more) using the pen and a ruler.
I hand-wound a bobbin with black shirring elastic, putting a bit of tension on it (stretching it slightly) as I wound. Using a large straight stitch, I followed the white lines with the sewing machine... ...and marvelled at it's lovely bouncy scrunchiness.
And then I slam-pressed the bejeezus out of it. (Hot steamy iron, flat down onto it). I love the crunchy texture of slam-pressing (and the steam "disappears" the white marker pen).

When I put it on again, I thought, "Hmmmmm...." (as I'm apt to do). So I shirred it over the bust as well. More slam pressing. (And, if I'm honest, I must say there was a spot of unpicking and shirring again until it looked right). More slam-pressing.
And then I did that neck twist thing that I love (also in the book).....
I like. Very much. (Although I'll probably unpick that little bit of shirring poking up from the fold).
I'll be doing bit more of this... I'm thinking Sewjourn (in less that 2 weeks.... squeeeeeeee!) might be shirring-city for me!! I'm stocking up on georgette, linen gauze, voiles and jerseys. I reckon it'll work well in any of these.

I'm also looking at my practise-machine-knitting-lengths (read: the bits that self-cast-off) with fresh eyes.... Hmmmmmmmm.....

19 comments:

trudi@maudeandme said...

Love it!

seabreezequilts said...

fantastic, looks like something you would pay a heap of money for.

mayaluna said...

I already thought you were a genius, but this is just so extremely good!

Kate said...

That is pure genius! Love it.

Vic said...

Wow. This is for book #2! I'm going to get book #1 tomorrow! ;) (Remind me, won't you?!)

Andi said...

It looks bloody amazing!!

Miss Milla's said...

Looks amazing!!!

Kylie said...

Wow wow and double wow! I love this! Not only are you totally amazing, Nikki, you've even explained it in a way that makes me think I could try it too! Not an easy task! ;) Looking forward to the slam-pressing bejesusing too :) Kx

Leonie said...

Gorgeous!

Jennie said...

You are so clever!! This is gorgeous!!

Jenny from Ohjoh said...

Wow! YUM!
Want one thanks!

Leonie @ Cuppa and Cake said...

Love love love love love xx

Fer said...

Geez I love your style. ♥ ♥ ♥

Lara said...

ooooooo I am SO looking forward to watching you do more of this at Sewjourn! LOVE it!

A Peppermint Penguin said...

There you go again, lookin all stylish instead of like an unmade bed. Which is how I'd look!

Bunny said...

Love it!

Craftysquirrel said...

OOOh - I like this idea - especially the slam-pressing bit, now need to think what I can use this on.

Cathie said...

love this top Nikki!! really do ♥

Jennie said...

I've been trying to come up for a dress idea for a wedding I'm attending in two weeks. Last night I dreamed that it was my school reunion I had to sew for, and I really wanted to impress people. I was frantic for inspiration until, in my dream, I remembered this blog post and this elegant, arty top! The dream didn't last long enough for me to make it but I knew it was going to make me the belle of the ball.

So there you go - your blog obviously makes a strong impression on my subconscious!

P.S. My validation word is FIRICKE, which is how Jack says thread.