I’ve written about Sonia Delaunay before, a Ukrainian born French artist who made magic from color and geometric forms. Although she had many artistic talents, the one I admire most was her skill at fabric design.
I am a serious seamstress, making most of my own clothes. However, it is only recently that I have thought of designing fabric as well. It is very easy to do these days, with sites like Spoonflower offering sophisticated tools. Instead of the perfection of computer created designs, I’m drawn to the handmade look of Delaunay’s creations.
Here’s an early effort. It’s harder than it looks and I can’t claim any native artistic ability.
But perhaps one day you will see me in a Delaunay inspired Mally creation—although certainly not a dress! I’ll keep you posted.
Beautiful stuff (including yours, Lynn)! My sister Robin (the only one of us 5 with any artistic vision) used to paint her own designs on silk. I have several gorgeous scarves, as do all my sisters and our kids. My daughter Moira actually had one of them framed and hung as a work of art. And I have a handpainted shower curtain that she made for my folks’ home in Twin Peaks hanging in my bathroom today! Love the idea that you’re trying your hand at designing. The most depressing thing about trying to sew today is the poor quality of the available material.
xxoo
Marianne V.
I recall a reference to Delaunay in a needlepoint pattern book from the mid-1970’s. In retrospect I think the book’s author had an art/design background (I think that book also mentioned Kandinsky). Back then I didn’t have the context; I just loved the shapes and colors. Needlepoint pattern books : quilt pattern books — more aspirational than actual!
When did she leave Ukraine?