My silk dupioni projects
Here are some sample projects that I have done using the silk dupioni, and also some by my customers and friends. If you clock on the garments you can see more details.
The garment on the left was made with the prewashed, interfaced pecan silk dupioni. (Simplicity pattern ) I love the richness of this color. I added digitized designs down one side of the top and down one leg only. This created a very slimming look.
The white silk dupioni top was created using a "prom" top type pattern. I decorated the peplum with some simple funky stars in a variegated blue thread with crystal centers.
This next garment started off as a childs wall hanging with birds in 
bright primary colors. It was a challenge in one of my wearables group. I took the panels, and placed batting and my silk dupioni on top to create a sandwich. Then I free-motioned from the panel side, only the pieces I wanted. Then I painted the silk side using Fabrico pens for the details and Shiva Paintsticks for the larger areas of color. Lastly Swarovski crystals were added to look like raindrops on the leaves. The jacket uses Jennifor Amor's Pop Top pattern. None of the panel was visible when finished, except for on the flap of the matching purse.
This next garment used a bunch of fat quarters I bought, prior to selling silks. I used the embroidery machine to create some of the squares, and then used the fancy stitches and feet to create the rest. I set the squares on point to create a more dramatic effect. I used Loiuse Cuttings "By Popular Demand" jacket pattern. You could use 5 to seven fat quaters in either neutrals of brights to do something similar.
This vest using Lorraine Torrence's Panel Play vest was a class sample for working with color blocking. I used three fat quarters in Paradise, Capri and Baltic to create the paper pieced crazy pathwork squares. The 5x5 squares were created completely on the embroidery machine, both the paper piecing and the embellishment with decorative stitches. I give this design and cutting layout for both the 5x5 and 6x6 inch squares plus instructions to those who buy a yard of my silk dupioni.The cutting 
layout minimizes the waste. From 3 fat quarters I created 18 5x5 inch finished squares. In addition, I used a Phantom fat quarter for the trim and about 1 yard of Capri for the rest of the vest. I used a decorative stitch from my sewing machine to liven up the trim. I found the perfect variegated thread to use in my thread collection!
This silver dupioni jacket used pintucks to create an Art deco design, on the front, back and one sleeve. These were then decorated with beads and sequins. Too much fun. 
These projects were done by my customers and buddies. If you have anything you would like posted send me a picture!
These first designs were created by Laroyce Coy. Laroyce is a founding member of the Contempo Wearables Group in the Clear Lake Area of Texas.
This first outfit was made using the Lime silk dupioni. As you can tell Laroyce goes all out when designing an outfit, hats, shoes and handbags are generally part of the package. Laroyce used Vogue patern 8206 for this outfit.
The outfit on the right used the paradise silk dupioni and the accent flowers were made from the teal and paradise dupioni. As you can tell Laroyce goes all out when designing her outfits. Hats, shoes and handbags are generally part of the whole package. Laroyce used Vogue 7932 but used a different sleeve. This recently won Best of Show at the HAFA 2006 Style Show.
This next outfit, also by Laroyce, used the straw and baltic silk dupioni. It is modelled by Sandra Martinez. Here is a close up of the purse and flower details. Laroyce used Vogue, Guy Laroche pattern #2752 for the jacket.
These next two outfits are by Earleen Fickessen, another member of the Contempo Wearables. Earleen likes a really elegant look and with her fabulous red hair loves the autumn shades! This first 
ensemble of a jacket and skirt used Dune Silk Dupioni for the base and trimmed with Nugget dupioni binding. She added hand dyed cotton leaves to compliment the whole outfit. 
This garmnet is beautifully made with many fine details. The kick pleat on the skirt uses the nugget dupioni on the inside. The jacket was a modified Butterick 4294, and the skirt a modified Vogue 7015 by adding the lower band and inverted pleat
The next outfit shows Earleen in a Jacket she made with Teal dupioni with Violet piping around teh collar, jacket edge and sleeves. The pattern was Vogue 8188. She is currently making a matching skirt or pants to go with this.
Peggy Frankovich is another Contempo Wearable 
member and avid wearable artist. For this beautiful ensemble, a Black opera coat (McCalls 2979), top and pants she used only Phantom (black) and White silk Duponi. The coat was made out of the black dupioni. The white silk was hand painted with Setacolor paints for peacock body, feathers, and flowers. The individual peacock feathers and flowers were cutout and appliquéd to the coat. The 3 dimensional flowers were also made out of the hand painted fabric and decorated the collar. The red silky lining was embellished with embroidered peacocks. Black dupioni silk pants and shell top were made to complete the outfit. It is amazing what you can do with just black and white. The silk dupioin dyes and takes paint so well.
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