three steps forward, two steps back

screen printing onto dyed raw silk.

i want to make the ties wearable rather than 'way-out',  although maybe a mix.  the difficulty is getting 'wearable' to look interesting and fun without it being ridiculous.

spent the weekend cutting out tie shapes then sewing, unpicking,  sewing, unpicking, sewing trying to perfect
-a good shape
-interfacings
-facings
and - with deadlines to meet - the most time efficient way to get them put together - this isn't a dressmaking course but I need to have a professional product.  The construction of the ties involves the creativity of the product ie it comprises a mix of fabrics, a range of texts and processes which include dyeing, screenprinting, digital printing, designing repeat prints, monoprinting, digital embroidery, hand embroidery and mixing and matching to ensure the results look like a single 'collection'.   


the loose weave cotton I found for interfacing may be too loosely woven - it doesn't retain its shape.  however, i think i have found a way of cuttting the tie so that it forms its own interfacing.  it would cut down a lot of work for me.  
meanhile, i have tried another open screen mono print but this time on  dupion silk  (right) which will need lightweight fusible facing to make it easier to handle and to give the ties more structure. I really like this process but its hard not to over do the painting (left).

i finally completed the repeat prints and had samples printed onto linen and wool - very different results, the wool (see left and right) gives a much more intense colour and the linen has a lovely faded look.

here are two colourways of a design inspired by the 1950s - printed onto linen.