paula sanz caballero

the work of spanish fiber artist paula sanz caballero, while utilizing materials typically associated with "craft," transcends those outdated stereotypes to truly become art. her spacial sense is amazing...she uses the form and texture of fabric and thread to create an image with an amazing amount of depth.
i strongly suggest that you peruse her work on her site to get a better look at the details...her work and craftswomanship is absolutely stunning.

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(detail of a larger work of hers)

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in the interest of diversity and the desire to veer away from fashion a bit, i'll probably be including posts of this type occasionally (on art, craft and design, particularly when they are fiber-related)...i had been doing it on rare occasions up to now, but i'd like to feature some of that a little more going forward. what inspires me and moves me goes beyond garments and accouterments! it's all art to me, and my background is in both.

dizzy for doilies!

what i've been up to lately, creatively:

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square doily tee

i made this doily-emblazoned tee in my silkscreening class. the class ended yesterday. so sad, because i LOVE silkscreening and want to do more of it. even more sad, i lack space in my current (minscule) pad to do it right now. perhaps in a new place, should we move (we're looking for a new, hopefully larger apt. where i can hopefully have a larger, more suitable home studio).
i actually made another tee, with a different doily, using fluorescent pink ink on a yellow tee, but it didn't come out right. QA issues to work out, obv. :)
i may sell these, once i work out the kinks, and perhaps some prints of the doilies (this square one and another one) on paper. BUT...it might be a while (see earlier lament about lack of space). *sigh*
stay tuned. :)

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felted granny blanket sample

the crocheted/felted granny blanket project is also coming along!
all the squares (144 of 'em!) are finished, all ends have been woven in. yay!
i took some extra squares (i made several more than i needed) and made a sample, using the techniques that i intend to use for the blanket itself, i.e., how i am going sew it together/edge it. i felted it in the washing machine with some towels to help with agitation.
i gotta say, i think it's gonna turn out pretty amazing! next step: sewing the whole blanket together, square by square, then edging it. then, of course, felting it...and DONE. woot! the end is totally in sight now.
some unfelted squares are on the right for comparison between how the squares look felted vs. unfelted.
as for that border color, i only used blue b/c it was readily available in the stash, but...i'll probably use some other color, maybe orange, pink, red, aqua blue....purple? anything but royal blue. :P i don't completely dislike royal blue as a color, but it's not at the top of my list of faves.

burda style: free sewing patterns on the web

burda, the german-based sewing pattern company is behind what i think is an extremely clever idea: FREE sewing patterns one can download off the web! open-source sewing!

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(photo via burda style)

no need to constantly strategically plan trips to one's local fabric store, or shell out piles of cash for patterns if you don't wanna...burda makes these select and stylishly modern patterns (and more) available via their burda style website. you simply download the pdf's of the pattern, print them and the provided instructions, assemble the pattern as needed, and sew!
want to make it green, too? you could always use recycled fabric or linens from the local thrift store/charity shop or your closet as the source for the fabric for these fashionable frocks!
perfect for those of you out there who like to take fashion into your own hands...and not always leave it in the hands of major corporations.

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i'm loving the marie skirt, myself (that's the one second row down, second photo from left in the grid of photos shown above). it kind of reminds me of the peg skirt portion of the dress i made as one of my final garments while studying at parsons! i think it would be quite sassy (and more than a little sexy!) in a metallic (perhaps brightly colored?) lamè, perfect for hitting the town and probably pretty with one of my favored cocktail hats! i may have to swing by the discount fabrics later today and see what i can see. hmmm!!

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(via nikkishell, of wardrobe refashion fame!)