Clothing for the Body & Soul

Hot Flower Power

This coat was made for the 2008 Pajaro Valley Quilt Show. We were celebrating our 30th year as a guild (I’m a charter member) and one of the guild members was in charge of the wearables. She challenged us to use a pattern from the 70’s and some fabric from that same period.

I chose to use Marimekko fabrics as the genesis of this coat. I remember Marimekko from the 70’s being a very popular fabric used in sheath dresses. If you don’t know what a Marimekko is:

Marimekko Corporation is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design company that was established in 1951. The company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality clothing, interior decoration textiles, bags and other accessories under the Marimekko brand, both in Finland and abroad.

If you can read Finnish, check out their site. If you’re like me and don’t, check out their English site.

People used to buy their fabrics, put a yard of it on a wood stretcher bar, hang on the wall and call it art. Along with my chosen fabric, I added a green Ikat, a pink/red/orange check, a green & red striped fabric, a green & red plaid, a purple and green African pattern, some psychedelia (featured on a cape) and five other solids or read as solids. For the piping and binding, I used a batik.

Tags: coat, orange

Utterly Blue

The Houston International Quilt Festival has decided to not host the Bernina Fashion Show. Having done five garments, beginning with the Fairfield Show, this is the last piece that I created for the Bernina Fashion Show.

My garment was inspired by the wood carvings on an African door. I chose to work with cotton, wool, linen, silk and some hand-dyes in different shades of blue. The vintage pattern that I used is a cape from 1937 with shaped shoulders. The orange hand-dyed jacquard that is featured in the lining was created by Adebayo’s sister in Nigeria. I made the sleeveless blouse and pants to complete the ensemble. You have to have an ensemble when you do something like this and I basically threw them in there.

The center back panel of the cape is embellished with beads and buttons.

Tags: blue, cape, fashion-show, orange, vest

Caped Madness

Rachel’s grandson attends a cooperative preschool in San Francisco. (Which brings up the question, do preschoolers “attend” anything? Don’t they just “go”?). Anyway, Glenridge (the name of the school) had been running low on capes. The kids use them for “dramatic play”. For those not rearing 21st century children in the 21st century, dramatic play is what used to be called “dress up”, “playing house”, or the hopelessy anachronistic “cowboys and indians.”

So, Rachel was volunteered to provide the Glenridge Cape Stimulus Package of 2009 (formerly known as the Cape Bailout). After some carping about boy colors and girl colors, we settled on a package that kept both sides of the aisle happy. In typical Rachel fashion, she couldn’t resist tucking in a few earmarks of her own.

The first cape was a fairly standard cape that used blue fabric featuring glow-in-the-dark stars. Since it was bedtime for the aforementioned grandkids, it was an instant hit. We’ll call it the “Glow Cape”

Next up was the Star Cape. This feature would be a another simple blue cape with black stars, meant to appeal to the dramatic playing superhero set. However, Rachel couldn’t resist adding a yellow triangle to the back of the cape.

The last one for the night was the Psychedelic Cape. No one knows where Rachel acquired the fabric, but it inspired a lively debate about its origins. I argued for the Beatle’s Yellow Submarine as inspiration, my wife went for a 50’s suburban island-fantasy and Rachel did the sewing. We took some action shots of the gathers and her granddaughter modeled it the next morning.

The final cape, created the next morning, was a traditional red cape, with a high neck and light blue ribbon. Unfortunately, all the models were in bed, so I got to velcro it around my neck.

Tags: blue, cape, red, studio

The “Where’s Rachel?” Update

We have just updated Rachel’s schedule with all of her confirmed appearances. Click on the Where’s Rachel (her schedule) link on the far right or just click right here. We’ve included a picture of Rachel and the webmaster updating the calendar.

Tags: headquarters

A Blast From the Past

Behold a magazine cover from July 1993 featuring Rachel Clark (gasp!) “A designer who quilts” !. There are some other fun cover blurbs.

I’m sure most of you know this, but the cover quilt is based a Lone Star block. Next time I’m down at World Headquarters, I’ll see if we can dig out the quilt and take some snaps.

Tags: Quilt

World Headquarters

Rachel’s down in the Southland this week, so I’m going post some pictures for her. I can’t provide her witty banter, but as they say, a picture is worth a 1,000 words! These pictures are from RDKC world headquarters – it will give you an idea of the environment she works in.

If you look closely in one of the photos, you’ll see some rare historical footage of the webmaster

Tags: headquarters, studio

Hearts Repeat

This was the first coat in the Out of the Crayon Box series. I’ve included a studio shot of the entire coat, two from the show (pardon the chair) and a closeup of the piecing detail.

Tags: coat, red

It’s My Favorite Color

It’s My Favorite Color is the name of the blue coat in the Out of the Crayon series. I made 500 three-inch ninepatches that comprised of over 100 blue fabrics. The fabrics were cotton, silk, hand dyes and linen.

Tags: blue, coat

Out of the Crayon Box

I had this great idea of celebrating the first eight colors out of the crayon box. You know that first feeling of excitement when you were in kindergarten or first grade and you got that first new box of crayons. Here are some pictures of the first phase of the project. I will be posting more pictures from this series!

Tags: coat

A New Site for a New Year!!

As you can see, we’ve made a lot of changes to the RDKC website. I won’t bore you with the technical details, but suffice to say we’ve made it easier for Rachel and I to update, and most importantly, add pictures.

However, I ask that you all be patient – we’ve gone “live”, but we’re still moving things around and testing things out. To use a worn-out cliché, “we’re building the plane while we’re in the air.” 

So come back early and often!

Hosted Fashion Shows

The following are fashion shows currently offered by Rachel. Please remember that shows can be tailored to meet the particular interests of your group.

All fashion shows listed below feature the original and inspired designs by Rachel D. K. Clark and showcase the visual excitement of wearable art. Rachel will display over twenty garments representing a wide variety of styles from casual to elegant. Rachel will emcee the show; her commentary is witty, anecdotal, and often poignant.

A unique aspect of these fashion shows is that members of your group or organization will participate as models.The show times are approximately one hour, but can be adjusted on request. Rachel is also available for symposium-length workshops. If you are interested in booking Rachel or getting more information, please email us at schedule@rdkc.com.

Clothing for the Body & the Soul

A fashion show accompanied by anecdotes on the “hows and whys” of Rachel-made garments. The show will include a variety of garments: ensembles, coats, jackets, vests and dresses. This is a good show for longer blocks of time, as it can be expanded to fit any time frame.

Ethnic and Ethnically-Influenced Garments

Ethnic and ethnic-influenced garments shown in a contemporary manner.All of the garments in this show are based on a particular culture or influenced by a particular culture. For example the garment list garments includes: a Russian Cossack ensemble, a Hoari coat influenced by Japanese design and a mud cloth ensemble entitled “Out for Lunch” made from African Fabrics. “Out for Lunch” and other ethnically influenced garments can be viewed on the homepage.

Everybody Git de Blues Sometimes

A reflection and celebration of Rachel’s love for the color BLUE. All of the garments in this fashion show are blue, have blue as the predominant color, or have blue in them for a particular reason. In this show Rachel shows you why she loves to be blue!

Let Your Clothes Speak for You

A fashion show with Rachel’s garments as well as the works of the host guild members.Rachel will supply numerous garments of her design, including coats, vests, and ensembles, then supplement these with guild members’ works. This is a great way to showcase the work of guild members and give them recognition.

Not Just Another Coat

A showing of the coats and jackets created to celebrate Rachel’s “Yearof the Coat.” Rachel’s year of the coat looks like it may become the decade of the coat! In this show Rachel will share some of her most recent garments as well as her old favorites.

So You Got Something to Celebrate

A presentation of garments made to celebrate a holiday or other special event.All of the garments in this display were created for a special occasion: Rachel’s birthday, her son’s wedding, Christmas, New Years, and others. Rachel will discuss creating garments that celebrate or commemorate an event or special day.

In the Beginning

A slide show of Rachel’s work, past and presentthat focuses on small details and embellishments in garments that can not be seen as easily in a show of actual garments. This show can be customized to include a mix of garments and slides.

REMINDER: Group members should be asked to be models for the fashion show, unless the group makes other arrangements.

Tags: fashion-show

Monster Purse

Students will use Rachel’s Monster Purse pattern to create a REALLY big purse, or a smaller one, or a quilt. The pattern contains directions for all three, as well as directions for a portfolio sized purse and students can make the item that they prefer. Those who watch Alex Anderson’s Simply Quilts on HGTV will know why we call this The Monster Purse, and no it isn’t just because it’s so huge! Rachel was invited to do a creative challenge on Simply Quilts. Several artists were chosen to make something creative using the feathered star block. The feathered star block is, well, it is a bit of a monster and so they called the show the monster block challenge. For Rachel’s part in the show she made a large portfolio sized purse featuring the feathered star block. Students can make a purse or quilt with the feathered star block using paper piecing and the provided template, or use another more friendly block of their own choosing, or piece together the feathered star block.

• Skill Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced
• Length: One-day minimum
• Type: Workshop

Tags: advanced, beginner, intermediate, workshop

Scrap Happy

Scraps galore! Pins wheel, stars tweak, and shoos fly in the scrappy combo of 3 blocks: Pin Wheel, Rachel’s Tweaky Star, and Shoo Fly! Students can have fun creating a small, whimsical quilt using light, medium and dark fabric, or if they prefer a longer project they will be shown how to size up to a larger quilt. This is an excellent way to incorporate treasured fabric scraps and embellishments into a keepsake that can have many uses. Everyone will also go home with Rachel’s Shoo Fly! Pie recipe. Although it is possible to present this class as a half-day, students will complete set-up only in a half-day session and for a beginner level class a one-day minimum is recommended.

• Skill Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced
• Length: half-day or one-day minimum (see course description for more details)
• Type: Workshop

Tags: advanced, beginner, intermediate, workshop

Nigerian Inspired Applique

Students will create a small quilt or wall hanging using Nigerian figures, design and the technique of Nigerian applique, which is a reverse applique technique. Rachel will supply some fabrics and designs. Students may alternatively choose to use Rachel’s vest pattern and the Nigerian applique designs included with that pattern. After creating a design on freezer paper, then transferring it to fabric, the design is hand appliqued to the garment or quilt. Rachel will reluctantly allow students to machine applique, if they must. Although it is possible to present this class as a half-day, students will complete set-up only in a half-day session and for a beginner level class a one-day minimum is recommended.

• Skill Level: beginner (one-day), intermediate, advanced
• Length: half-day minimum (see description)
• Type: Workshop

Tags: advanced, beginner, intermediate, workshop

Fast Piecing With Seminole Techniques

Students will be creating units that are cut from long strips, and then sewn together and remade in a Seminole pattern. The strips can be very colorful and are suitable to be used in a small quilt, wall hanging, or as accent to brighten up a garment. American Indians originally developed the Seminole technique. Please note: this class will focus on Seminole techniques, as opposed to Seminole piecing.

• Skill Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced
• Length: half-day minimum
• Type: Workshop

Tags: advanced, intermediate, workshop

Technique Class

In this workshop students will explore a variety of techniques such as fast piecing techniques, appliqu³, folded technique, fake bound button holes, piping, covered buttons and anything else that may pop into Rachel’s head! The goal is to give both beginning and intermediate sewers some ideas to improve and enhance their work. An illustrated booklet is provided for a small materials fee. The booklet is designed for a full day class, so those choosing Techniques as a half day may not complete all of the exercises.

• Skill Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced
• Length: half-day minimum
• Type: Workshop

Tags: advanced, beginner, intermediate, workshop

The Tiered Skirt and /or Big Shirt

In this workshop students will mix and match their favorite fabrics to make a skirt or a shirt that is fun to wear. The garment can also be a great way to use ethnic textiles such as batiks and African fabrics. In a longer class, both the tiered skirt and the big shirt can be made to complete an ensemble. Sewing experience is preferred, but beginners are welcome too.

• Skill Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced
• Length: One-day minimum, two-day recommended
• Type: Workshop

Tags: advanced, beginner, intermediate, workshop

Making Your Next Statement

This lecture/workshop is a discussion of a variety of concepts and techniques to inspire students to make that “one-of-a-kind” garment that will express a personal statement, personal sense of flair, or speak to individual ethnicity and culture! Students are encouraged to bring along their favorite pattern. There is no sewing in this class; all levels are welcome.

• Skill Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced
• Class Length: Half-day or one-day, lecture only

Tags: advanced, beginner, intermediate, lecture, workshop

Fitting Class: The Dress

Similar to the fitting class for the vest or jacket/coat, this class will focus on fitting, fabric selection, design, and construction. As a two-day class the first day will focus on fitting, fabric selection, design options and customization. The second day will focus on garment construction. As a one-day class, students will walk through fitting, fabric selection and design only. This class can easily be customized to suit either beginners or the very advanced, simply let us know what your group is looking for.

• Skill Level: beginner, intermediate, advanced
• Length: One-day minimum
• Type: Workshop

Tags: advanced, beginner, intermediate, workshop

The Fancywork Coat

This workshop is designed to use some of the materials that have been saved for that special garment: the designer collection of fabrics, fabrics all in one color-way, buttons, beads, laces and treasured fabrics. Students will learn how to combine some or all into a fanciful designer coat. Students may also personalize their garment further by adding hand embroidery, machine embroidery or other fancy stitchery techniques that I will demonstrate. Sewing experience is recommended, but beginners are welcome too in longer classes.

• Skill Level: intermediate, advanced
• Length: Two-day minimum
• Type: Workshop

* Can be a single-day class if combined with a one-day Techniques class

Tags: advanced, intermediate