In the Rainforest After the Rain
Penny Muncaster-Jewell

One of the challenges in my wearables group was to use this wonderful wall panel in a garment. I made a wonderfully bright bog coat to satisfy the challenge but could not see myself ever wearing this. (OK Apart from this one time!) I think the words, I may as well put a target on my back! were uttered.

So as a more creative way to meet the challenge, I took the panels, put Thermore batting over the panel and a beautiful mint green silk Dupioni on the back. Using my new Bernina 440 and its Balanced Stitch Regulator feature, I stitched around some of the birds, butterflies and leaves and created my more subtle interpretation of the challenge. Luckily the challenge did not say anything about the panel being visible! I then used Shiva sticks and Fabrico pens to paint the birds and leaves in a monochromatic color scheme for a very elegant wearable jacket! I topped it off with Swarovski Clear crystals to look like rain drops on the leaves. I used Jennifer Amors Poptop jacket pattern. I believes I will wear this jacket more than once! I also made a matching purse where I kept the inside flap with the original fabric visible!

Penny’s interpretation should inspire you to take another look at some challenging fabrics in your stash!

The girly flirty skirt was made from charmeuse silk that I hand painted with Seta Color and salted. I used Vogue pattern 8082.