Cut But Not Forgotten
As you know if you’ve looked around on my web site, all the textile sculptures I create are made from recycled fashions. Below is what is left of a White Stag dress after cutting all the pieces needed for the cacti. Granted, I don’t know that I would consider White Stag a “fashion” (no offense if you are a White Stag fan), but I chose this piece to use for the cacti for a couple reasons. First, there was just enough to make both cacti…I really didn’t want each to be made out of different fabric if I could avoid it. Second, since I knew I would be dealing with some relatively small pieces this fabric gave me enough polyester in the blend that allowed me to singe the fabric. No edge is left exposed when completed, but each piece is subject to a great deal of hand sewing and singing the edges of the pieces before handling them really helps with the fraying. Finally, I really like the subtle vertical jacquard stripe. It will add to the texture of this piece once it’s been painted.
Many folks assume I deconstruct the clothing and then cut. Honestly, that’s just too much work. So the only time I deconstruct is if I really can’t get the last piece I need out of the fabric unless I take out a seam or pull off a pocket. Fortunately for this piece no deconstruction was necessary:)
