Tyvek and silk sample

So all of a sudden the fabric manipulation module is taking off.  Finally, i was starting to lose sleep!  

Initial sampling is going well, I thought I'd share my current favourite.  I have 9 samples up to now, one only half prepped, so technically 8, but after a quick run through the princess pleater, it will take a little hand embroidery to finish that one.

Since the theme is futuristic, I wanted to use more of the synthetic and man made fabrics.  Trying to manipulate these is like trying to put tights on an octopus and I'm reminded why I love good old cotton.

I also aimed to use fabrics which I have coloured by rusting.  I just love these so much, its painful to cut them up, I keep hesitating before using them, touching and stroking them, then popping them back in the pile and 'doing a little tester' on some commercially coloured fabric I have bought.

When I did take the plunge, this sample is the result. I cut a stencil from mount board, the grid design came from the collage from my previous post.

I used Tyvek, a non woven synthetic fabric used to make those white forensic suits you see on CSI. It's perfect for heat distressing.  I laid the Tyvek square and the mount board grid on top, placing them both on a sheet of silicone paper and laying a sheet on top and put the sandwich in the heat press.  

I was hoping for a flat grid design and bubbling, which is what Tyvek tends to do when heat is applied, in the open areas of the grid, but I stupidly way underestimated the heat of the press. When I removed it, even though it had only been about 5-10 seconds, the open areas of the Tyvek were completely burned through.

My next stupid move, was to not place a silicone sheet between the tyvek and the mount board! The heat had fused them together and I had to ease them away from each other with a plastic ruler.

In order to salvage something of the sample, I loosely bondawebbed some of the rusted silk to the Tyvek grid and heated to adhere them together.

Then out of the overheated promise of a what not to do a sample came ...

I am so pleased I finally started using my precious rusts and that it wasn't a waste.  I love the tradition silk and modern Tyvek together.  I decided to allow the bondaweb to lay across the silk to give a lace effect over some of the squares and not others, so I could see which I prefer.  I've decided I like it better without, but glad I tested, so now I know. 

Now I need to decide how I'm going to use it in my final piece.  I have some thoughts of cutting an elaborate godet into the back of a straight skirt, but not sure this technique would work with that.  I probably should be looking more towards pleats and ruffles.  Then again, she who dares....