Three Stunning Art Deco Overpieces

I feel very fortunate (and a little poorer) to currently have these three pieces of handwork in my possession. I purchased a complete lot from the estate of a couture seamstress. Buttons, laces, notions trims and these three exquisite garments were among the contents.

To a vintage fabric addict like myself this was the ultimate high! I didn't even realize when I made the purchase just quite how exceptional these were. What strikes me is how relevant to contemporary fashion they are.

If you go to my Etsy shop (just click on my FoundVintageStyle Etsy mini... up and to the right>) you can see them being modeled by my elegant friend Gail. She is wearing a Nanette Lepore strapless black dress so all the detail shows beautifully against her skin. These pieces are simply timeless. They are so well designed; the shapes, the proportion, the fit on the shoulders... Top quality never is dated I suppose.

They may be priced on the high side but let's be real here. Who thinks too hard (before these economic times that is) about spending $150. - 200.00 on 'designer' jeans these days? The work in these garments is unbelievable. They are in excellent condition but had a few spots I wanted to mend. I had an even greater appreciation of the workmanship after I strained my eyes sewing black glass beads with black thread on black lace....

I hope all you textile lovers enjoy having a look!

Blue Jean Cuff

I have been going in some new directions with my fabric jewelry... I have to keep exploring & experimenting with different techniques to stay fresh and engaged!

I had a great linen jean jacket that I hadn't worn in years but hung onto because it was so unusual and high quality; made in Italy. I tossed it in the washing machine, probably shrinking it a bit but didn't care; it was the easiest way to clean it!

By using all the neat bits and bobs like the button-holes etc. it carries me in it's own direction... I like that. When given a new texture or color palette to work with I come out with a new look naturally...

This is the one I am most happy with so far. It is around my fifth attempt and my thinking is maybe I will try another color field for the next one.... do a monochromatic series... yes, I will try that.

Timing Can Be Everything

Driving along, on a glorious fall Saturday afternoon, I decided to take a different route to go and visit my daughter at her cafe job. I was taking some unknown side streets through a leafy neighborhood when I spotted an enticing church rummage sale sign.

I quickly found a parking spot and entered the church basement, encouraged by the signs saying linens, glassware, art...

However what I was met with was people furiously packing up all their tables in clear bags ready to be shipped to a charity thrift store. I soon realized I was coming right at the end of this promising sale, the worst feeling as you can imagine! As I caught glimpses of exquisite lace and crochet work in the plastic bags I kindly asked if I could PLEASE have a quick look and still buy something. As long as I had exact change the answer was sure, go ahead...

So this is what I assembled in a couple of minutes. Perfect pieces of lovely lacey textiles to incorporate into my textile jewelry. As it was the end of their day a total of $5.00 was requested. I happily obliged. Since I have gotten home I have been experimenting with some natural dyes. Pomegranates produce the most delicate pale pink.... If anyone has some other natural dye favorites post them here and we can share some ideas... Happy good timing to everyone!

New Freeform Cuffs for Fall 2008

Here is a little preview of where I am at creatively these days... These are details of 2 of my cuffs laid side by side.
My textile work is becoming more freeform; I refer to it as 'me coloring outside the lines'. I am having a great time with this. It is very liberating in that I impose no rules upon myself! Keeping an open mind I dye some of my lace fragments and let the surprise outcomes take me where they may...
They seem to need less button adornments as well. One or two well placed exquisite pieces from my collection is all that is needed to make the final creation 'sing'!
If you see anything on my blog currently not listed for sale but you are interested in, just send me a convo through my Etsy site. I am gathering inventory for a show in September but I can part with a few if asked!

Featured Artist #1 in a series: Debra Dorgan

Every so often I will feature an artist that I find inspiring.
I am very pleased to begin this series with Debra Dorgan, AllThingsPretty, an artist currently residing in Auckland,
New Zealand.
Debra's shop name perfectly describes her aesthetic. She seems to have a natural ability for beautifying everything around her. Whether it is a bag to sling over your shoulder to shop with at the market, a tea cozy to adorn the kitchen shelf or a pillow to nestle with on the sofa, her approach to these day to day items is to infuse them with joy.
She collects vintage fabrics, trims, buttons and anything else that catches her eye to embellish her creations. With these materials at hand she hand dyes, cuts, sews, paints, re-configures and makes them her own. What I love so much about her work is it's pure artistry. Her work comes straight from the heart and it shows.
This photo features one of her signature slip dresses. They are works of art with their slouchy side pockets adorned with bits of embroidery, asymmetrical hemline of crochet openwork and lace fragments and detailing of vintage linens & buttons. I love her hints at how to wear these dresses; "alone or with flares, leggings, long stripy socks, ankle-length skirts, jeans, boots or flip flops...".

Be sure to check out her shop!

Chokers... coming for fall 2008!

My new line of textile art jewelry is
The Bohemian Tapestry Choker. Here is a sample. I have made three so far. They will most likely be up for sale in early September. I am so excited about this new product. ('product' sounds so assembly line which, I assure you, these
are not)!
I create them from 2 parallel strands of fabric which are joined at the ends. This helps in the shaping of the piece and also leaves a bit of 'air flow' in places so they are comfortable. Speaking of comfort... they are lined with silk velvet and satin so they are super soft on the skin!
Any comments on what you see here would be appreciated! It is so helpful to have feedback on new items...

my first post

Today I decided to photograph my latest textile collage. I'm not sure that the lighting is the best yet but I'm putting it out there as a start!