Handmade Blog Feature: Kindred Dream Heart Part 2

Happy Easter or Spring break to everyone! Today i,m going to Post the 2nd part of Katrina's inspiring story and on Monday will be the turn of Robin Rizzart and her religious mixed media art. which I thought was very appropriate for Easter. (edit: yep it's now after Easter Sun/Mon  a trip to A&E to get my finger stitched up due to a massive gash/hole that just missed the tendon put paid to my blogging plans)

Without further ado, here's Katrina's Story Part2 (haha that rhymed!).

What's the process behind your intricate creations?
I always start with the fabric.I can sketch all day,but the fabric speaks to me. I may sketch one thing,get the fabric,then create something totally different. I normally sketch when I,m stuck on a concept or unsure about where to put a notion.
I prefer using the draping technique as opposed to the drafted pattern on muslin, so I rarely duplicate my designs.




White Leopard Faux Suede with Magenta Satin 2 tier hooded capelet available at http://www.kindreddreamheart.etsy.com/

What materials do you use in your fashions?
I,ve sewn with all types of fabrics , from upholstery to silk. My favourites are Sateen,Brocade,Faux fur and Wool. When it comes to print, I like whimsical designs.I have an uncanny ability to pick overlooked materials and try to make them appealing.
If it's a shade of purple,that's always a plus.
What's next for Kindred Dream heart?
Selling on Etsy is a big step for me and heartbreaking.It's always hard for me to part with my creations.My husband told me one day that if I just wanted to sew, just to frame my work, he would be supportive.
So the next avenue for Kindred Dream heart will be Menswear.

Who are your favourite etsians and why?
I,m still very new to Etsy, however there are so many wonderful etsians from the Etsy forums: and so many are note worthy.The first etsian I ever met who introduced me to the community and the Etsy website was Danielle Pierce HTTP ://www.etsy.com/people/DANALIAbyDP
She's my sister -in-law. I,ve bought from her shop in the past and her collections are great.
She's also helped me on numerous occasions  outside of Etsy in a collaboration fashion show,sewing tips,and overall encouragement and support.

Who are your design hero's?
There are so many designers I want to mention; however my design hero's would be Coleen Atwood and Tony Bowls.
Atwood is Amazing with a capital A; especially the costumes she created via collaboration with Tim Burton.
Bowls is a master of layers and I love how his designs still look formal and elegant in spite of the complex and elaborate construction.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of setting up/running your own label?
The most rewarding aspect of setting up/running my own label has been a new learning experience.I enjoy learning new things and gaining new experiences.
My childhood dream of being "everything" has not died out.

What has been the hardest aspect of setting up/running your own label?
The hardest part of settingup/runnig my own label has been trying to devote more time.Sometimes I wish the world still operated on a barter system.Perhaps then I could achieve my full potential as an artist without the 9 to 5 distraction.

What tips would you give other aspiring designers?
I would say " Stay Postitive" I've made long term friends in the industry and many doors have opened all because of a positive attitude.

Where else can we find you on the web?

http://www.kindreddreamheart.blogspot.com/

www.modelmayhem.com/2100750

www.facebook.com/pages/kindred-Dreamheart/16095291396378

http://www.kindreddreamheart.etsy.com/

Inspirations of tattered finery

Here is a taste of some of the things inspiring me for my a/w 2011/12 Collection. It's going to be called
Lost and Found.
Here is a selection of images from designers who use vintage and found objects,recycled clothing,accessories and bits and pieces to make gorgeous garments and accessories.

First up Selene Gibbious of http://www.gibbiousfashions.com/

Selene both models in the photos along with her very creative friends as well as takes the photos and is one of the designers in the collective. Selene uses materials such as vintage silk slips,lace,corsets,girdles and fabric scraps from vintage coats,clothing and tees.Some of these she uses as the base for new coats and skirts.She also adds unusual details such as a glove as in the top image which doubles as a pocket.
Bits of broken jewellery and old keys are also sewn on.

Do check out the site for her blog,stunning photoshoot pictures and her online shop.
Selene also does a alteration,custom and make-over service all for reasonable prices.All her pieces are gorgeous one off originals.


Designs by Bonzie http://www.bonziedesigns.com/ Based in Waterford Ireland this Aunt and Niece duo make corsets,collars.cuffs,coats.fascinators and more in their unique style.Using Irish Linens,Tweeds,Silks, sometimes hand dyed.They embellish the pieces with jewellery,Pearls and handmade flowers made from velvets,tulles and silk.They now have a stunning must visit workshop in Waterford Ireland a image of which is below.Do visit their site,blog and flicker accounts for a slice of Irish Couture.

SparrowSalvage.(Below)

The work of Australian artist Penny. She creates the most beautiful worn,victorian inspired cuff bracelets using vintage fabrics,laces,beads,buttons that she hand dyes and hand sews layering  materials and textures together.The clasps are either antique buttons or antique coat frog clasps she also creates earrings,brooches, as well as sells some of her supplies and diy cuff kits in her destash shop http://www.littlebrownmagpie.etsy.com/ I wrote an article on her in Alt Fashion Magazine which really went into her inspirations.Penny also sells antique findings and materials in her other shop http://www.faginsdaughter.etsy.com/ and beautiful colage mixed media artwork using vintage papers and books at http://www.littlebrownsparrow.etsy.com/  check out more of Pennys work on her blog.  http://www.sparrowsalvage.blogspot.com/

So those are a few of the labels who's look i am aiming to channel in my own collection.I will be using vintage and antique beads,trims and fabrics cutting up secound hand clothing and hand dying and ageing fabrics.As well as layering textures smooth with torn,lace with tulle and jersey yarn with embroidery,pearls and silk.
As usual i,ll be using semi precious stones and old buttons sourced from Portobello market.
Look out for images of the collection in progress from June 2011.