Wearable Art

I just started an online class with Quilt University that was recommended by the leader of the Art Quilt Club that I was recently invited to join. The site offers some really terrific classes at very reasonable prices. You download a weekly lesson to work at your own pace; there is a forum for sharing with other students around the world or for contacting the instructor with questions/problems.

The class I'm taking is for a wearable art Mermaid Jacket, designed and taught by Linda Schmidt. It's quite challenging, yet it's really getting my creative juices going. This first week involved cutting out the front and back yokes, enlarging and tracing a design to a stabilizer that is then ironed to the yokes. Next came applique' piecing the background of the mermaid underwater scene (seaweed, coral and sand primarily) from the reverse side and then using couched fibers and metallic threads to enhance the applique' from the front.

I've completed the two front yokes, pictured below. (click on pics for larger view) Remember that this is just the background of the scene and once mermaids and seahorses and starfish are added, there will be ribbon embroidery, beading, buttons, charms, jewels and such added to complete the yokes. Then the rest of the garmet will be created by strip piecing a multitude of fabrics.

I'm now working on the back yoke, so keep an eye out for more postings on the wearabouts of the Mermaids.