Sharon Allworth, Portland Handweavers Guild, Portland, OR
Winner: Bette Nordberg Award – Best Garment Design and Construction in Juried Show, sponsored by Anonymous
Material & Technique: I used both 2/2 twill (broken point threading) and plain weave structures. The fabric source of inspiration was from “Handwoven” magazine, May/June 2022, page 49, an article called ‘Candy Strip Blankets,’ by Malynda Allen. The source of inspiration for the jacket was Simplicity pattern #4029.
- Warp: Rayon/silk chenille
- Weft: Rayon chenille
I used a Schacht Mighty Wolf, 8 shafts.
Description: My entry is a size 4, petite jacket, a garment to wear in the evening, probably in fall. The main colors are red and black with a few threads of green and purple. The exterior is completely handwoven except for the 4 Chinese knots that I attached should I want to close it. The inside is completely lined with a purchased red polyester fabric. I created this piece because I had a lot of colors of rayon/silk chenille and rayon chenille in my stash. I wanted to use the chenille for something besides a warm scarf. I had some sewing skill from childhood, and I needed a lightweight jacket for evening events. Those skills and materials came together in this jacket. I knew that the chenille would have to be completely interfaced before cutting and sewing it. In addition, I hadto use very lightweight silk interfacing so it wouldn’t be too bulky. Now I need an event, thus the title, Poetry Reading.
