Fashion and Folk Art

It's been a few weeks since my last post, so let me update you one of my recent trips to the American Folk Art Museum in New York City.  What intrigued me about this exhibit was the 13 different designers who participated to make a creation inspired by artwork in the museum's collection, many dating back to 1800-1900.   Take a look at what I saw.

Koos van der Akker - gown

Michael Bastian's ensemble

Anniversary Tin- top hat & eyeglasses (one of the inspirations for Michael Bastian's ensemble)

Gary Graham -Jacquard woven coat (inspiration in the background)

closeup details from the whitework cotton quilt

Fabio Costa's outfit-inspiration is the whitework cotton quilt from 1796

threeASFOUR  dress

Friendship Star Quilt (inspiration for threeASFOUR dress)-made in 1800s by Quaker women as a sign of friendship in PA

 

Yeohlee Teng's outfit made from Brown Kraft  Paper

Redo of "My Favourite Hat"

I have always had a hard time finding hats to fit my head for one reason or another, so when I find something I like it generally gets a good wear.  Many of you who know me closely know my denim "bucket" hat.

Late last year I copied off the specs from this hat and put it aside, knowing one day I would try my hand at this hat.   Well yesterday, I finally had enough of my old hat and I took a pair of jeans and cut them up and made a new hat with slight modifications (i.e. little taller/wider crown, and wider circumference).  Instead of using a standard lining I took a nice navy/white print and lined the hat adding a solid ribbon on the inside, and a stripe ribbon on the outside.

Below are the results of a couple hours of sewing and a new hat, which can be worn on both sides.  Yes it's reversible.   I think I will make a few more, modifying the crown to give it a more rounded and possibly some shorter crowns.   My lampshade hat looks a lot more trendy now.  I also have to add in the grommets so I don't sweat out my new hat.  In the photos with 2 hats, the denim one on left is the original hat.

Grand Central Centennial Quilts

http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/event/grand-central-centennial-quilts/2145433659 — at Grand Central Terminal.

If you're in New York between now and July 6th, this is a must see exhibit.  In short, it shows the creative work of many quilt artists who participated in this challenge to use fabrics designed by "The City Quilter" to reinterpret "Grand Central" in fabric.  The City Quilter partnered with American Patchwork & Quilting to sponsor this national contest.  The photos below, by no means, do justice to the intricate work portrayed in these quilts, and only seen up close.   

Below are a few of my favorites from the exhibit.