October 19, 2015

American Gothic










This dress had been several years in the making. I designed the print late in the summer of 2012 after I returned from my studies and travels abroad. I used photos of the stained glass from the cathedral in Avallon France, bits from photos I took of floral oil paintings in the National Gallery in London and the Louvre in Paris. I layered individual flowers and spent hours playing with the colors and contrasts. The resulting image was then mirrored and printed onto cotton sateen from Spoonflower. I made a pencil skirt for my senior collection and then lovingly folded the rest of the fabric away for a rainy day.

Well I finally pulled out the fabric, determined to make a dress out of what I had left. This normally easy task was made difficult by my desire to match/mirror the design on both the front and back of the dress. The yardage I had leftover was an odd shape from being cut into for the skirt, and there was even a spot right in the middle where I had cut out one of the skirt backs in the center of the fabric. The skirt I'd originally made for my senior collection had the design perfectly mirrored and symmetrical and just how I wanted the flowers to be placed, this dress on the other hand required a lot of puzzling out where to place my pattern pieces! I also wanted to have some sort of control over where the flowers would fall as I didn't want anything to look awkward in the end (large flowers centered on the bust for example could have come out looking quite odd). Though it took me two hours to figure out how to cut everything out, I think in the end it was time well spent as I love the resulting dress!

It felt so wonderful to finally wear the print I had designed! The clothes from my senior collection (I spoke about said collection here and here) were sized for models (size 2/4) and therefore I have never been able to even try them on. Now I finally have something out of this fun print I can wear myself!

These photos were taken near Glen Eyrie castle in Colorado Springs. Sadly they are a very stingy place and don't even allow visitors to walk around the castle unless you have reserved a spot on one of their tours. Seeing as they don't even let people wander around, I was quite worried they would be swiftly kicking me out for getting photos near their little on-sight souvenir shop, but luckily I somehow avoided notice. So much for exploring! There is nothing I detest more than a monument/building/museum that doesn't allow photos! It looks like I'll be sticking with my more local castle-like location as at least they allow photos outside. Much more blogger friendly :)

I still dream of visiting real castle again someday (dreaming of England always). For any of you reading who happen to live in England or Europe, be thankful for your castles and history! I am jealous indeed.

Dress: Made by me
Shoes: Modcloth
Necklace and Earrings: Made by me
Bracelet: Vintage

17 comments:

  1. WOW! This place is just wonderful! Excellent location and perfect for your clothing. This beautiful dress and magical photographs.

    serena


    http://madhouseautoproduzioni.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Serena! I only wish they had been a bit more friendly and let people go up to the castle properly and explore the grounds!

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  2. How amazing that you designed the print - it's a beautiful print, dress and fit. You look fabulous and you should feel very excited! Kx

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    1. Thank you! It will certainly be a loyal friend in my closet now, I'll probably be wearing it again to a wedding this weekend!

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  3. The fabric is stunning and so is the dress - you look fabulous :-)

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  4. What an amazing fabric! I'm stunned that you designed it yourself from photos in Europe - it looks amazing!
    I live in England, so I am very lucky with castles and historical houses. Soon I may be working in a little mansion (a bit of a paradox there) near my home. It's called Rufford Old Hall. If you're interested you can see pics on my blog. http://missemorris.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/rufford-old-hall.html

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    1. Thanks Ellie! As soon as I am able (get a good job/win the lottery) I plan to move to England as I just love it there! Enjoy those castles and historic homes :) Rufford Old Hall looks absolutely amazing with all of that wonderful wood work! I hope you get to work there, I would love to work for/with the National Trust one day.

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  5. Stunning! Would you mind me sharing any of your sewing projects on Sassy Sewing Bees in the future? I link to your post and let you know when shared. SSB - https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees

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    1. Thank you! You most certainly can share my projects, thank you for wishing to do so :)

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    2. Thank you. I will let you know on the posts in question.

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  6. It's a masterpiece that looks flat out stunning on you, sweet dear. All of the thought and time put into it were more than worth the gorgeous end result.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Aw thank you Jessica! I was extra conscious not to mess this one up, and even bothered with an extra annoying invisible zipper!

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  7. How very exciting that you made your own fabric, I thought it was really interesting reading how you did it. It has made a stunning dress. I am always grateful of all the historic buildings that I have access to in England. I have a few days off next week and am planning some old house and abbey visiting.

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    1. Thanks Kate! I am jealous, wish I could come with!

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  8. Hello Bianca,
    This makes me so happy to see that you continue to be inspired by your trip in France in 2012 !
    I also remember the fabric you created from a picture of the Auxerre's cathedrale stained glass. This was so rare and so creative !
    Of course, you'll be welcome at home when you want to renew your inspiration...
    Avec toute mon amitié

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    1. Thank you Martine! I am forever inspired by my trip, I miss both England and France immensely! I cherish my memories from staying with you and Pierre in lovely Moneteau. I will never forget your lovely tours of the surrounding towns and your wonderful garden. I would love to visit again someday! I am always dreaming of Britain and Europe! <3

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