Here at sticks-a-gog0 Art Cloth, I am pleased to introduce the collaboration between our current collection with the Bokeh Collection. These two collections work together creating an aesthetically pleasing art form. An art form viewed on fabric for the discerning sewist/designer.
In previous blog posts, I’ve mentioned using the lens of my cellphone camera to record my narrative in images absent of words. My visual diary is not hidden in a book locked with a key, its present for all to see.
My story is told to a wider audience through surface design on fabric. For me, it’s gratifying to share my talent to the world looking for an informed collective that appreciates my talent .
After researching various resources for print on demand, I selected Spoonflower for this endeavor. I’ve participated in design competitions with Spoonflower, but have not won, yet! My designs do not look like everyone else’s, and it’s a good thing because my visual diary stands apart from the rest. I like being unique…
What started as a casual meeting during a presentation Christine was giving at Canada College Fashion Department, has become a friendship. A friendship which recently blossomed into a professional collaboration. Christine Groom of ZigZag Designs and me, Mary Lou Fall of sticks-a-gogo Art Cloth are collaborating at Artistry in Fashion on September 28, 2019 from 10-4 pm at Canada College located in Redwood City, California.
I am so excited to share one of our collaborations.
ZigZag Designs Loretta Jacket and sticks-a-gogo Art Cloth Trees_1
As the temperature rises, I’m reminded it’s Summer. A linen blouse, crop pants, sandals and a ponytail pretty much describe my look for the season. Comfortable clothes combined with the heat, and last but not least, barbecue ignite an intense creative curiosity leading me down an unknown path. Perhaps I’m nostalgic for Summer days gone by when, as a young girl, the end of the school year meant staying up late and sleeping in, swimming all summer, making lanyards at my local Parks and Recreation Department or hanging out in the mystery section at the library. Along the way, I loved biking through fields of flowers, racing with dragonflies, and collecting rocks. A time and place I created for myself, the freedom to explore without any encumbrances.
My current Summer journey leads to an intense study of block printing. Recently, I attended a block printing class at A Verb For Keeping Warm in Oakland, CA with Rebecca of Rekh & Datta. Rebecca shared a video of India, describing a brief history of block printing along with the individual family that translates her designs to fabric.
Photo credit: Mary Lou Fall
Here is my first carved block .
Photo credit: Mary Lou Fall
Photo credit: Mary Lou Fall
I decided to separate the block into individual segments to experiment with pattern and design.
Photo credit: Mary Lou Fall
Much to my surprise, some interesting patterns emerged. I feel fortunate to have the “time” to let my curiosity soar to new heights and discover amazing possibilities.
I used to think reminiscing about the past was not healthy, but I now believe my past is my present. Looking back is not past history, and according to Sadie Stein, “As the deep vaults of history are made accessible to everyone via technology, the past has become an alternative present.” Ms. Stein’s article appeared in The New York Times Style Magazine, entitled, We’re Living in a Copycat Culture, dated January 31, 2017.
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” William Faulkner
Here’s a current project using this week’s featured stitch. The particular yarn I am using, Plymouth Yarn, Arequipa worsted 90% Superwash Merino and 10% Mulberry Silk highlights the stitch definition beautifully.
Photo credit: Mary Lou Fall
I’m not quite sure where I’m going with this…buttons, vintage trim or maybe even a zipper.
Today, before I venture out to do my inner core workout, I want to share my latest endeavor, “Block Painting.” I’ve wanted to experiment with this technique for awhile, and decided to go for it! Initially, the blocks were purchased to use with polymer clay, but after watching numerous YouTube videos, I decided to use fabric. I also plan on using the eclectic mix of paint in my collection, before investing in the medium.
Here are various blocks for borders, allover printing, etc.
Remnants of a quilting project.
I drew a grid on the fabric first for placement of the block. Of course, the striped fabric may or may not be your choice, but I wanted to try it anyway.
The last few weeks, I’ve been re-exploring polymer clay and various surface design techniques. Prior to beginning my self-directed discoveries, I made a list of surface design techniques I wanted to explore. Adding texture using various tools before applying acrylic and Lumiere metallic paint is my favorite.
The elements on the right and left are from the decorated sheet detailed in my last post, Pulled Pork and Polymer Clay, dated July 31, 2015.
I decided to decorate the surface of beads by applying elements from the various decorated sheets. You may ask, “Why do you like this particular technique?” I like working with metallic decorated sheets because the metal adds a specular reflection (like having little pieces of mirror on the surface) quality to the surface of the polymer clay. I find the dimensionality visually interesting, which emphasizes my free form approach.
Sticks-a-GoGo 
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