Art bra – It’s not as easy as it looks
When I volunteered to make a sample art bra for a display celebrating women organized by my sister for a local hospital, I thought I would whip one out in a day or two. My theme was the contrast between our nuturing part and the part of us that has to be tough as nails.
I now have a new found respect for anyone who works with any form of art related to the body. Remember my start on the soft side?
That was fun as I had the cat hair already felted with thread, it was easy to sew on with pink embroidery floss and it fit the theme perfectly.
Onward to the “hard as steel side.” What was I thinking? I cut embossing metal, punched holes in it and sewed it down. It started pretty well, but as the bra curved more and more, it looked less and less like I wanted. Rip all that off. Now the cup was all torn up, so I laid down a coat of gold paint.
Here’s tip #1: Don’t be clever and think a black bra will mean than any part that aren’t quite covered will recede into the distance. That may be true, but mainly it means you can’t paint your bra very easily.
So I thought awhile and dug out my junk jewelry collection. Tried sewing miscellaneous earrings, pins, etc. down. Too heavy. Time to call out the gel medium. That REALLY works to secure anything. While I had the gel out, I covered the inside of the cups and the backs of the side panels with little squares of hand-dyed fabrics. This covered all the hand-stitching on the soft side and the battlefield marks on the steel side. Good deal.
Here’s what I had at that point.
Tip #2: Well, duh. Cover the sides and straps before doing the cups.
On the “steel” side panel, I tried the embossing metal again, but this time with a wash of black paint over it. Still bad. Rip that off. OK, I can do fabric. But, by this time, sewing anything on the sewing machine was virtually impossible. But that didn’t stop me from trying.
Oh, that’s right, there is metal in an underwire bra and the straps have metal clips. Total broken needles - I’m too embarrassed to say. But I did manage to sew both side panels and one strap. The “soft” strap is braided and wrapped chenille yarn.
I wish I could do this art bra again and save myself a ton of time, but I’m going to just say that it made me a stronger woman.
Shawna – Prior planning would make all the difference
Good luck! Sandra and the Quilters of South Carolina have an auction of art bras for a good cause up right now. It is a great inspiration: http://www.quiltersofsc.org
V.
Thank you so much for putting this post up. I have been asked to do an Art Bra to be done in May. Your post will help me to consider things differently!
Thank you one and all for your comments. I imagine creating an art bra almost always involves a good cause, so it is always worth it! V.
Thank you for this post. Art bras have often struck me as a fun medium, yet they apparently have their tricky aspects.
You did a great job of communicating contrast in your piece. I’m sure viewers will find it enjoyable and fascinating.
I have always wanted to do one of these, but I am rethinking that!! Thanks for sharing your angst.
Artfull Bras are not easy, but they are fun!
The Quilters of South Carolina have an exhibit that has been to 41 spaces since 12/1/08. They are offered at auction starting Saturday, November 28. Our website has a direct link to see them as well as to bid.
http://www.quiltersofsc.org
Congrats Virginia on your perseverance and determination! You have done a terrific job in executing your design idea. I know it will be a very popular addition to the hospital exhibit and thank you for yet another personal contribution to cancer causes.
Warm regards,
Léonie
PS – I left a post on the Quiltart list in response to your post there. L
Well, as much as it made you want to rip out your hair, it turned out stunning! And wow, did you learn a lot!!!