OMG!!!! check it out, my dress is on the website! https://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6090/fluid-fabrics-a-challenge-for-the-pros.
Mine is the silver lame dress “Mercury Rising” I’m just flabbergasted! I made the finals in the contest but was not a winner.
Judy
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ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! That is the most beautiful and elegant gown I have ever seen! You are truly an extremely talented fiber artist and apparantly an expert at construction too. That fabric appears as if it is spun of liquid silver! The draping is exquisite! You are the winner in my book, hands down!
(I don't even need to see what the rest of them looked like, the judges must have been blind!) I don't believe anything could top your gown! Mary
Your dress is absolutely gorgeous!! The godet, is it hand beaded??
Congratulations! That gown is absolutely stunning!
Congratulations, you talented thing, you. I had spent a few minutes before logging in to Gatherings, looking at the entries posted, then I saw this thread. Thank you so much for identifying yourself as the creator of that piece.I realize that they are not ALL of the entries, but of the ones shown, your gown is the epitome of fluidity. The others shown are lovely, and inventive, too, but yours demonstrates that characteristic so aptly. At least they chose it for the showpiece of the page!
It is so beautiful. Absolutely stunning.
I have to agree with Josefly...of the gowns shown on the page, yours was hands down the most sleekly elegant and well thought out design.
Loved the "train" at the side front. Lovely twist. Might take a bit of "runway" practice to walk in it though! But with a gown like that it's all about strolling elegantly and posing a lot with a mysterious smile. Vavoom. Congratulations!
Although Mercury Rising is clearly the finest example, and a certain show stopper. The woven bodice, I believe called 'smoky grey' is very lovely. Gail
HI,Thank you all for the very nice words about my dress!Sorry I haven't written back, I was out of town all weekend hiking.OK. the fabric is silver liquid lame. I took the photo and actually dropped the stand down so the godet would fan out (I've seen this in other pictures, if they can do it so can I) The godet is not hand beaded, it's just a novelty fabric I found. sort of a mesh with tiny silver sequins on it.I haven't seen the magazine to see what they say about the winners or if they say who was the judges but, who knows what goes through their mind and what their criteria is for judging. This was the first contest I ever entered and it was a lot of fun, there were many stunning gowns and outfits.I don't really think of myself as a 'designer' I love the creating of the garment, design is very hard for me, and I don't like doing it. I"m much happier when someone just tells me what they want or gives me a picture, that I can do, coming up with a new idea of my own is very very difficult for me. I was told by a designer that I do respect for his taste that this dress had too many elements to it, I did not take his advice, but he may have been right.The other thing about the back, all those beads - I used silver beads at first, they tarnished and I had to take them all off (take off the lining to get to them) and then re-bead the whole damn thing. I think there were over 4 thousand beads on it. the front strap is strands of beads that are braided.
Judy
Ohhhh, the agony of having to re-do those beads! Congratulations on your perseverance. I have at last seen the print article, and the winners are shown there. I agree with the poster who said the judges must've had great difficulty.Your photography is excellent, also. Another dress is arranged in a similar way, the blue spiral-design, with the skirt spread out. It tells us a lot about the dress that couldn't be seen otherwise.
here are 2 additional photos
Those close-ups are wonderful. The braided bead strap is so pretty, and I like the way you clustered the bead strands in groups of three on the back. So many pretty details!
I don't know who the judges were, or what they were using as criteria, but after seeing the winners in Threads, I was even more surprised/shocked at their choices.
Your gown was obviously the most "fluid" fabric choice and use of fabric, the most elegant, the most professionally created, the most beautiful, most original creative design that all the elements just flowed togeather in, best fit, etc I could go on and on. I preferred it over the lovely Carnation Fortuny Pleats, though it is beautiful too and the only dress in the article that I liked or thought someone would wear, let alone look great in.
The "most successful overall" blue and black has a very unflattering gaping neckline and the length is much too short....
Elegance of cut...I was very impressed with the North American hand smocking lattice pattern on the polyester....won't even mention the slippery throw, sorry, I'm sure the embroidery was alot of work and pretty to look at but to wear?
Polka dot...too short waisted? Doesn't really seem appropriate for the "working girl" or an "evening out"....just don't like it
Moroccan Spice...loved the clove saffron and hyaccinth colors, but didn't care for the bodice front or back, the elements seem to conflict.
I don't usually focus on the negative or be hypercritical...but the judges choices just don't make sense to me at all!
The dresses in the magazine are not on the bodies they were created for. The polka dot dress is really quite lovely, there were several layers of the chiffon all hemmed so evenly I was very impressed.Anyway, it was a fun contest, but I am not entering it this year.
I hope I didn't offend anyone, I'm not normally that judgemental or critical, I thought the dresses were made for the models we saw in the Threads issue! It certainly makes all the difference in the world to know that! It would be great if we could see a video of all the gowns on the models they were made for. Now I am feeling critical of the Threads article!
I appologize for my insensitivity, especially due to the misinformation my eyes received from the photos!!!
Thank you for sharing the information, but mostly, thank you for sharing your beautiful gown with us. My husband and grandsons said it was the most beautiful creation they had seen. Then they saw the photos in the article and made comments similar to my reactions....no comparison to the liquid silver and all the details flowing togeather so well in yours.
This is not about the contest but I would like to comment on the dress looking good on the "model". In this issue #142, as I was looking through the magazine I couldn't help but be amazed at how ill fitting most of the clothing seemed. Bust darts too high, tightness across the bosom, too tight under the arm, TOO TIGHT seemed to be IN. If a model can't be found who fits into a dress I would rather see it displayed on a flat surface or a dress form. Maybe the fluid dresses would also have looked better on a dress form mannequin if they didn't fit the model.
Yes, it's frustrating! I had given up on sewing for myself due to fitting issues, to see ill fitting clothing from "the experts" is very discouraging rather than inspiring!
In the mean time, it did push me into exploring quiltmaking, which I never thought I'd want to do. Creating wallhangings and other quilted projects is great fun and I am thoroughly enjoying stretching my imagination. I love being able to use such a variety of techniques in one project. It seems to be a good "fit" for me as I love to experiment. It's also much easier to change those "mistakes" into "creative opportunities".
My next efforts will be learning to cut out those sheer fabrics like chiffon. I've had good luck using Palmer Pletsch fusible knit interfacing, but not so much without it. So I am going to use some Kayla Kennington modular design patterns as they require smaller geometric shapes. They also are easy to fit!!! http://www.kaylakennington.com She's had several articles in Threads and other publications too.
I'd love any instructions, tips, and hints regarding layout and cutting techniques for these slippery sheers! I seem to do fine with the stitching aspect. I bought supplies for dying them, which I hope to do this summer when I can take the mess outside. This cutting problem is holding me back! Mary
It seems rather a shame to give up on sewing for yourself because of the "fitting issue" . I have found that if it is difficult to fit oneself then it is even more difficult to buy ready mades, and I am plugging on to work it out. It seems to me that about one in two or three items fit or satisfy me nowadays but I am beginning to discover what does not work, and I am now becoming hopeful that I will become more sure of future successes!I took a break from sewing at a time when my figure "matured or changed" and the Vogue patterns that I had always relied on took a different direction but now I am beginning to find my way again. Maybe you can too! you are soooo talented it would be a breeze for you compared to someone like me.
oh, bless your heart! I'm not so talented! But thank You for saying so. ooooooops, company is here, sorry to cut this short! Mary
Yes, chiffon! I have a piece of polyester chiffon just waiting for me to get that pattern I'm working on perfected. I have read a lot of advice about how to keep sheer fabric under control esp. when cutting out your pattern and I like to lay a sheet over the table so the surface isn't so slippery. Then, lay out the fabric and maybe pin the selvedges together so it will stay put as I cut with the fabric folded. And never allow the excess fabric to drag off the table, but I'm sure that is common sense. I always had trouble with the narrow hemming because I never used my serger's rolled hem feature since the early days after I bought it... it just seems too much bother. (I need you around to show me how to make it easy) Now there are several articles and pieces of advice on how to narrow hem sheer fabric with the machine and it works great for me. I wish I had known about it years ago. I usually use weights when cutting out fabric, but with the sheer I tend to also pin close to the edge and as much as it takes to stay put. Supposedly the lightweight shears works better for cutting out this fabric, but I just use my Gingher dressmaker shears that are sharp and have no problem. I like to use small tailor tacks (that I double stitch, so they won't fall out) to mark the darts, etc. instead of a marking pen. Sheer fabric is always a challenge, but I find rayon a bit slippery too, and it's a faborite fabric I like to wear.
I picked up a Kayla pattern in a Bernina shop several years ago, it was the angel top and I think I am just not the person they had in mind when they designed this so I have not tried it, but I like her web site.
I really like all the good advice found on the Emma One Sock web site for sewing different fabrics. Have you seen that? http://emmaonesock.com/ They are called sewing guides and she has a good one on sheers.
As for quilting, I thought I would one day have a collection of quilts! But after making one I found it really wasn't my thing. I do still love them and love visiting quilt shops. The most I ever do with quilting is make totes, pillows, and paper back bookcovers. But, I am not that productive. My bookcovers wear out because I like to read too much so I have to make new ones and they make great gifts for all my friends who also love to read. It's fun to get creative with the designs. My other favorite gift project, as well as replenishing my own supply, is making square coasters. I first started making them when I belonged to an angel collecting group and used angel fabric - all different kinds. Now, I'm into the garden club and making botanical print ones!
Oh, Mary, please don't give up on sewing for yourself. I suggest you find a simple jacket pattern - one with princess seams from the shoulder, no collar and 3/4 length sleeves. Make up a muslim and get someone to help you with the fit or use mirrors to "see the back". I guarantee if you can get a decent fit of this simple garment,you will have renewed interest in sewing for yourself. With one perfect fitted jacket pattern you can make a whole wardrobe of possibilities by using different fabrics. Afterall isn't choosing delicious fabrics the main factor we sew?
Karen
I completely agree with you; if it doesn't fit the model well, don't put it on a model! Issue #142 made me wonder once again if the pattern companies and sewing magazines are truly clueless about fit or if they're trying to convince us to give up sewing and buy all of our clothes. Instead of inspiring, the photos of ill-fitted garments would discourage anyone from even learning to sew.No one, not even a slim model, has a bust line up at her collarbones, and no one wants to wear a blouse with too-large sleeves drooping off too-long shoulder seams. I can't imagine anyone voluntarily wearing a blouse that doesn't fit well, much less spending all the time and effort to make it.
Well said.
Teaf,
Perhaps they're trying to tell us that it's OK to forget about fit! It's not about fit! It's not about matching stripes on a shirt collar, it's all about buying the razzel dazzel sewing machines and every other gadget that goes with it, who needs to sew beautifully fitted garments, we've got fancy $8000.00 sewing machines(ouch, OK I'm being really nasty here, but just had to - please understand it's just been one of those days!!!):)
Those fancy sewing machines are supposed to make sewing easier, and make all sorts of endless sewing possibilities magically happen. That is what the ad people would like us to believe.
However, they have forgotten, YOU NEED THE BASIC SKILLS FIRST! You need to know how to put the pattern together, and the basic fitting skills before you can endlessly embellish.
Yes, I get tempted, (and frustrated too!) then I remember, I haven't even learned or used all the fancy stitches on my 30 something year old machine yet either! tee hee hee Cathy
I had the same initial reaction about the other dresses exhibiting "fluidity" relative to jjgg's gown, and wondered how they were judged. So I've gone back to look at the description of the challenge. It sounds like the entrants were challenged to demonstrate their "mastery of fluid fabrics" which might be interpreted to show skill and techniques for handling those fabrics, rather than maintaining and demonstrating the fluidity itself. All of the finalists' creations were beautiful to me, but when I looked at the finalists, I was looking for the fluidity, not so much the mastery, so I was surprised to find several finalists whose designs changed the characteristics of the fabric - not really drapey, soft, or liquid, particularly. But those designs did demonstrate creative treatment and skillful manipulation of the fabric, I think. I'm glad I wasn't a judge - it would be hard to know which criteria to give most weight in making the decision.
I can't help but be in awe of the expertise it takes to work with those fabrics, let alone the artistic talent to create a truly "one of a kind" garment. It would be thrilling to be such an accomplished seamstress and fiber artist! I feel priveledged that we were able to see them, even if the contest results are puzzling. Mary
Agreed. Seeing those gowns makes me want to examine them in person, inside and out, just to see how they were done.
I have only just seen this thread and cannot believe the workmanship and design that you carried out in this fab dress. Congratulations over and over again. The fact that you can turn your hand to designing tents, in my mind, just proves how talented and versatile you are. I know just how difficult it is to get the tension correct on a tent to ensure its waterproofness and stability in the mountain weather, yet I think I would take on that challenge any day ahead of the beautiful shimmering gown that you have created. Congratulations again!!!
(from one backpacker to another)
Thanks Stillsewing.One friend of mine said 'not much difference between gowns and tents, they both have very large pieces of slippery fabrics and Long zippers!
I echo the complements of the community your gown is breathtaking! If this is your first contest, then you certainly must enter more! Your talent is boundless and inspiring. I can't wait to see more from you!
CHL,
Thank you, but I've sort of changed directions in what I'm sewing right now. I have designed a backpacking tent and am going try to market it. I am an avid hiker/backpacker. Backpackers want to maximize on minimalism. The less weight they can carry the better but to still have as much amenities as possible and comforts is also a high priority. Often the two don't coincide. This tent is only 1 lb 10 oz. I really want to try and get the weight down to 1 lb 8 oz. Now you may think 2 ounces, no big deal, but every little fraction of an ounce adds up. We actually use little postage scales to weigh all our equipment (are we a bit OCD?)
Wow. That looks like a great tent. Good luck to you in marketing it. The design looks unique in shape - is that for wind considerations, or for extra roominess? You are certainly multi-talented.
Love the looks of your tent and can relate to the 2 ounces of weight. Forty years ago for several years my DH and his best bud back packed into the mountains of Colorado for a two week archery elk hunt. Technology has come a long way from what we had to work with to get them ready to carry everything they'd need for two weeks on their backs. I recall packing small packages of home made trail mix in plastic wrap, packing and weighing the back pack, unpacking, and cutting off the inch or so excess Saran Wrap from each package. That wasn't all of course, but you get the picture. I just showed your tent picture to DH, and his immediate comment was, "I think I'm in love!" He wanted to know if it's made of GoreTex.
The tent is sil-nylon. Silicone coated ripstop nylon. It is waterproof. (not waterproof/breathable. it is not 'breathable' hence it is 100% waterproof) - can you tell I have issues with that oxymoron? LOL! and the silnylon is extremely light weight and fast drying (if the outside gets wet from rain) it uses hiking poles for set up, plus a 10 inch piece of PVC pipe in the ceiling.
The shape is what makes it so light weight, it's all in the geometry of it. I've had guys that are 6'2" in it and they had plenty of room to lay down and head room when sitting up.
Kudos on your tent effort. My son is a climber, + diver, + camper, + whatever. Early on in his doings, he asked my help in sewing all manner of "gear." For a time he delved into trying his hand at "creating" and did quite well. Hope you have success with your tent.
Also, on your reworking the beads. MO, a true sewist. Taking the time to redo a particular, regardless of the time/effort invovled to achieve the wanted end result speaks highly of your skill & devotion.
nepa
Thanks for the response about the fabric. When I told DH, he asked again to see the picture of your tent, and his comment was something along the lines of, "by jove, I think she's got it!" He said if he were still taking his annual trek to the mountains he would buy one of your tents. I recall the search for the perfect tent that spanned several years. It seemed to me that much of the enjoyment was in the preparation for the trip..... but what do I know?
Ah., yes, the prep is a lot of fun. I"m out hiking and backpacking almost every weekend.
awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never laugh at *cumulative weight* considerations - whether you're packing the car or the purse, it all adds up eventually! And the smaller the container, the faster "eventually" shows up! Love the idea of using your hiking poles for support - multitasking at its finest. Perhaps that 2 oz. could be found by using something other than PVC for the center top piece (thinner walled tubing?) Best wishes on marketing the tent - it looks like a winner!Kharmin
Yes. The PVC part weighs 1.4 oz. I have a source for carbon fiber poles, but haven't figured out what to use to connect the pole ends to the hiking poles. I played around with making pockets for the hiking pole tips from webbing, and while I like it better than the PVC, there was no weight savings, and it needs to be rigidly attached to the cross bar. So, for now it will stay PVC.
Everything you touch seems to be golden! It's been many many moons since I slept in a tent. But this one looks way cool! Good luck!
Thank you so much for the kind words, I will be sleeping in my tent pretty soon.Actually if anyone is interested in my journal from my hike on the Appalachian trail in 2006 you can read it here.
http://www.trailjournals.com/heartfire
Thank you for posting your journal URL. The read answered many questions coming to my mind.
I reside in PA and though the trail is a bit of a distance, it is known to me through articles in local newsopapers from time to time.
Safe journey.
nepa
I didn't add to the kudos on your tent talent before this because, quite frankly, I did not know what to say! First, you amazed me with your creative efforts on a sparkly dress, and now on your engineering talents on a tent! I am just stupefied by your creative genius Girl! Whatever creative thinking will you put to the test next? Thank you for sharing with us. I thoroughly enjoy seeing what you are up to. Cathy
HI Kathy,
I saw your post about the body double, Sorry you're not feeling well and I hope you get better real soon.One has to keep pushing the envelope, I have some other ideas for some innovative hiking gear, we'll just have to wait and see where it goes.
Judy
I, too, showed the tent to my husband, who said, "Hope she's got a patent on it." Wish you luck on the new endeavor. You aren't the first clothing designer to put hands to camping gear; that's interesting to me - I've long thought of sewers as engineers.
How interesting! Is that a diamond shaped tent? Does is sleep one or two? Camping is not my style--never was I like a toilet close by, but the thought of it was fun. Looks like you have a winner on your hands. congrats. You are truly talented.
Gail
You amaze me! So innovative! Hope you are able to market this and make a fortune! Best wishes! Mary
I am sorry you had to go through all the work of replacing the silver beads...but I think the beads you ended up with are better! I still love the look of the gown. The designer you spoke with sounded like an encouraging person. My grandmother told me when you get dressed up, and think you are perfectly done, take one thing off. Then you are never over done. Perhaps designing is the same way. Put all of it into the design to start, then eliminate one detail. Just something to think about. I cannot wait to see what you design next! Cathy
Well, in my opinion you should have won. It is fluid personified. It's the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. You can't convince me you can't design.
Icie,
Thank you. I just don't like to have to 'design' I'd rather just create.
Touche, Jigg! Design is one thing, to truly create is another. Cathy
Excuse me, did you say not a winner? Seriously? Unbeliveable. That dress has rendered me speechless. It's so fluid it looks wet! I think it's incredible. I also think you should start a Galaxy line...(not kidding.)
Edited 3/6/2009 7:23 pm ET by BellaGabriella
I double what everyone has said. It is the most beautiful gown I have ever seen. Other than the contest, what did you make it for and where did you wear it?
jigg, that gown is to die for. Absolutely gorgeous. I'm going to have to see the winners, I suppose, to understand why yours is not one. You are one talented lady. I bow to your superior execution of the theme of the competition. Thank you for sharing.
I just realized the new Threads, #142, May, 2009, arrived today. I am looking at the winners of the challenge. It must have been difficult for the judges not to include your entry in the winning column. IMHO, it belonged there, even taking into consideration the bias of "knowing" you..... **giggles**
Congratulations, this gown is fabulous. You have certainly captured the whole fluid movement with such a spectacular design. How lovely, you should be very proud.
What a stunning dress, Judy!
your gown is beautiful and it looks like you are a winner just to be accepted into the contest! Congratulations.
OH! W O W! Ok, girl, you have rendered me speechless! That is one special dress! Stunningly beautiful. Beautifully executed. I am supremely impressed with your talent and workmanship. Shock and awe! Pat yourself on the back, you deserve the Kudos and more!!!!!!Cathy
I love it! Not sure why it didn't make the finals other than only so many could. It is a wonderful looking dress.
That dress is just awesome, awesome, awesome. You did a wonderful job. It looks like liquid silver. Just beautiful.
ABsolutely FABulous!!!! No question, your talent shall rise like mercury......Gail
Edited 3/8/2009 12:06 pm ET by GailAnn
Gorgeous dress! Love the godet! As others have mentioned, it all looks so liquid & definitely like liquid mercury! I can't see what that designer friend of yours mentioned when he told you it had too many design elements. (Maybe he was jealous), as I think your dress is very simple & elegant, but not overdone in the least. That was a great idea for your shoulder strap, but what a bummer to have had to remove all those beads at the back & redo them! It probably took longer than making the whole dress, eh? Too bad this article didn't show the back of the dress, as well. Congrats to you for a job well done & to receive such high marks for your first contest entry.
Gloria
Hi, Gloria. Maybe I'm misreading your comment about the article not showing the back of Judy's gown, but you did see the back in the online article, didn't you? Just wondering, 'cause that photo shouldn't be missed.
Sorry - I didn't see the back of the dress. I only looked at Jigg's first link & didn't see the back there. Maybe I should look on the Threads main page? Oh, I just saw Jigg's extra pics just posted - the back is unbelievable! Wow!
Gloria
Edited 3/8/2009 10:13 pm by Gloriasews
Gloria, if you missed jjgg's back photo, you might also have missed the other dresses pictured. Go back and look. When you get to the main Threads page, you have to click on the photo of the dress. That takes you to another page, and you have to scroll all the way to the bottom to see the photos of the back of the gown. You'll see some of the other entries on the way. It's definitely worth taking a look, because the new close-up photos posted above don't give the full picture.
I saw them all! As I told Jigg, the back of the dress is fabulous! The other entries are also lovely. Now I'm waiting for the latest issue of Threads to arrive - hopefully next week. Thanks for your update.
Gloria
Judy, I'm struggling to find words to describe how fantastic your dress is! Everything everyone else has said, and more!!!! It is beautifully executed and to me, deserved to be one of the winners. I love the detail in the back hip area of the dress. Wish I had a close up to see it better. Congratulations on a unique design and gorgeous selection of fabrics, as well as the beading detail!!!!! What an inspiration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What fabric did you use for the lining?
Deb
Congratulations! Your gown is exquisite beyond believe. I love that sparkly godet. Words fail me,,,,,
I also thought you should have placed. I didn't comment until I received my Threads on Friday. I totally agree with Maryincolorado. Your dress would be spectactular on the red carpet!
Jane
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