This is a lecture exploring the developing of an idea. In this lecture Estelle will talk about a 'design element' that really piqued her interest and then show how this same idea was developed, changed and altered over the years -- a jacket she showed us last September is one of the results of this initial idea. Estelle combined several design techniques in this jacket, while using the same fabric throughout.
Estelle says, "I feel that in a sense we all work this way, but many of us don't keep records of how we have worked on the same idea for a long period of time--and therefore, we think we work in a kind of void. I felt this way and then decided to trace my thoughts. I was quite surprised that I had been working on the same idea for almost ten years."
Since childhood I have always been fascinated by fabrics - fabric construction as well as fabric collecting. Through my father, a native of Guatemala, I became acquainted with ethnic textiles and handweaving; my mother, a tailor, instilled within me an enthusiasm for designing and creating garments. I had my first weaving and textile class in high school, but it was not until much later that I purchased a loom - now I own three looms. The garments I create unite my interests in travel and ethnic textiles. They are my "Fibertrails" garments. For me, creating clothing is my way of expressing and sharing my interest with others.
Visit Estelle's site.
Hand dye twelve yards of cotton fabric in a 24-color wheel sequence and create beautiful fabrics. The fabric is dyed in 24 glass Mason jars and Estelle will show you shibori (Japanese resist-dyeing) folding and stitching techniques to create interesting patterns and textures. We will follow this with sakiori (Japanese for "tear and weave").
Any questions can be directed to the Program Chair. We hope to see you at the May meeting!