Early Work 2003-2004
Early Work
Pleated Top, the first piece which I had assistants in my studio helping with production, the seamstresses taught me a lot about speed.
Pleated Top Back View: I ended up reverse appliquéing 120 straps with machine free-motion embroidery because I hadn't learned anything about digital embroidery yet--they were therefore all unique. I carried the straps around with me on the bus, in line for..., at the beach--they all had to be individually cut to reveal the layers of fabric.
Created from deadstock wool using a Vintage Pattern. There were 2 of these.
The Jacket is Vintage--one which I still wear. The skirt I called a Peek-a-Boo Skirt because there were organza windows in the front left knee and back right knee, so there was a particular moment when you could see right through. This was my version of a mini skirt. Each was embroidered using stock patterns from my embroidery machine repeated in improper overlapping motives--each pattern made three flowers and I repeated it about eight times. Then it was free motion embroidered to bring cohesion. I still have one of these waiting for me to finish it--too labour intensive. I think I made about 10 of these.
One of my early designs, multi tiered deadstock fabrics. There were four of these.
Handmade felt and appliqué using antique embroideries, buttons, shells, pebbles, pearls. I lost track of how many of these I made--they were sold at Crafthouse Gallery on Granville Island.
All Photos: Jennifer Armstrong Photography
