Painted Dresses

I almost wish I hadn't found these pictures of painted dresses, whilst experimenting with painting my own fabric.  I was discussing just recently with some friends, how there is a fine line between being inspired without being overly influenced by someone else's idea and subconsciously copying it.  These vintage dresses by Hermes are beautiful and humorous.  Hopefully I can be inspired by them to produce some modern and also tongue-in-cheek textile designs.

To see the full story see The Vintage Festival Facebook page.

Painting fabric

I've been meaning to paint this David Hockney inspired pattern onto fabric for ages now.  It's quite a literal interpretation of Hockney's swimming pool paintings / photos, but as it's my first time experimenting with fabric paint, I'm ok with that!  I'm definitely going to try doing more of this, it was great fun and really easy to do.  I just need to wait and see if it's going to dry stiff or not and test it in the wash.  Then I think I'm going to make it into a skirt.

I also wanted to see if the paint would run on wet fabric, which it does, hopefully this will lead me to a more adventurous design next time...

Craft work

At the moment I'm trying to make some sheepskin boots and I'm really enjoying learning all about shoemaking.  I came across this little video and it totally rang true with my obsession with learning how everything is made and not only that but making things properly, by hand to a high standard.  It's great that you can get so much information off the web but it gets to a point where to learn the most about a craft you need to actually talk to someone.  I'd love to apprentice for a traditional shoe maker or a tailor to get first hand, hands-on experience.  I'm starting to get a bit fed up with all the courses for this, that and the other and I can't afford to pay for one or give up my soul to live in London.  Give me a wing to tuck under in some tiny workshop and I'd work my heart out to learn a traditional skill that's been passed down through generations, lets see if Google can find me that.....!

A-symmetric shoes

I love a bit of A-symmetry, especially in surprising places.  These shoes by Koji Horigome are incredible.  I could happily design a whole collection of garments around these.  I do have a small obsession with shoes, more than clothes.  I'm super fussy when it comes to their shape and don't even get me started on trainers - the toe has to be the right length and width, laces must be wide set, etc, etc!

Check out Koji Horigome's shoes and an interview at Not Just A Label.  I particularly like his sources of inspiration;

"The shape of orthopaedic shoes, 1960s artificial limbs, vintage medical equipment, military outfits, processes of traditional shoe making, the film "Ghost in the Shell" and abandoned buildings."

Neon

Super happy for my friend Elsie's new website; http://neonwetsuits.com/.  Based in Cornwall she makes the most gorgeous wetsuits for women and men.  You can pick a style and then your own colours for custom one of kind swimsuits, bottoms and tops, and they're not just for surfers!!

Neon recently got featured in Vogue too!

You booty!

 Visited a South African car boot sale today and wasn't disappointed!  Found this gold mine of vintage patterns, and love practically all of them.  Can't wait to make some of these and they're also great inspiration for future off.kilter projects.  Need to check out just how small the patterns come up - as the ladies back then were so petite!

These are some of my favourites.  I love the maxi dresses and coats.  The pattern in the top left has a great sleeve / shoulder detail which might crop up in a future off.kilter garment and those stripy flares will definitely be added to my wardrobe - maybe in a chunky navy corduroy.  Look at that fabulous wedding dress!!

Check out my vintage seventies fabric here.