EXPERIMENTING WITH FABRIC

I wanted to experiment with a few different textile related techniques that I thought would emphasis the folk nature of the costume, as well as the hand made aspect. It also provided me with an opportunity to explore new methods and go outside of my comfort zone.

First of all I experimented with weaving, first using wool to create a fine weave, then experimenting with rags that I cut out of old denim. 

I think the denim works really well as it looks very textured and rustic, and I think this would fit in really well with my costume. I could also dye the denim fabric if I wanted to use it, the only thing is finding enough old jeans to use! 

I knew I also wanted to try and incorporate stitching into my costume, and I thought I could do this by putting a muzzle around the bears nose made out of embroidered binca. Using the colours on the costume, red black and cream, I started a simple pattern that would run across the length of the binca. I also wanted to reflect the simple folk art patterns found in Europe.

I don't think this is something I would have time to complete before the deadline, but this would be something I will pursue to complete before the exhibition, much like the ruff. I want this embroidery to go over the nose and down the sides to mimic a bridle.

If I have time before the exhibition I would like to include the use of rope in my costume, to go though the bears nose. This is a nod to the dancing bears and how they are treated. To reference the highly decorated European costumes and traditional circus animals, I thought I could decorate the rope using red wool and bells.

This doesn't look like much at the moment! But if I continue hopefully it will be a completely red rope bedecked with bells which will go through the bear.