To wear with my Pattern Magic Top, I wanted something a little out of the ordinary. Alexander McQueen did a bee theme for their Spring 2013 collection, which got me thinking about bugs and how cool they are. I thought it would be fun to screen print bugs onto a skirt to wear with my new top. And, indeed, it was fun.
The bug shapes are derived from illustrations in the book Albertus Seba’s Cabinet of Natural Curiosities. I made myself crazy trying to get a finer level of detail from my screen printing screen, but apparantly there is a limit to how fine the lines can be. I wanted the bug wings to appear gossamer, with very fine lines making a network of veins for the wings, but it just was not going to happen that way. The thinnest lines remain rather thick for my tastes, but I adjusted my expectations.
The skirt fabric is a lovely chocolate cotton sateen. I screened the bugs in gold metallic ink.
I lined the skirt with the same silk taffeta the I made the top with. I embroidered a bug in the lining at the center back so it’s easier to tell back from front.
The pattern is a high waisted slight a-line from an older Burdastyle.
Skirt Back
Skirt Front
motif on the lining rendered in bobbinwork embroidery
Bug Detail
Bug Detail
Rolling in Cloth 
13 Comments
I love it! And the Pattern Magic top is very impressive.
I hope you get bundles of compliments every time you wear it!
I love it!
I hope you get bundles of compliments every time you wear it.
Sorry – this was sent as I got an error message after the first comment. I still love it though!
With a blouse that intricate you really need just the right balance with the skirt- a subtle shape with a pop of wow is just perfect- nice!!!
The whole outfit is so balanced. Love both pieces!
Awesome bugs. Totally love it and envy it. Can’t wait to see it IRL.
Elizabeth
http://www.sewnblog.com
You’ve been awarded the Lovely Blog award…check it out at http://www.dressed2atee.blogspot.com
Fabulous! Do you make your own screens for printing? Paula
Thanks! Yes, I do make my own screens. I initially learned by following
this tutorial.
Love this entire outfit. Your work is creative and inspiring, Claudine! I always enjoy reading your posts. And as much as I’m head over heels in love with McQueen, the bee theme this year didn’t do much for me. Your bugs are great, however, I’m just too squeamish to wear a bug (gem encrusted or otherwise!!) I admire your lack of squeamishness! 🙂
It’s gorgeous Claudine.
Two beautiful pieces!
I love the bugs in gold. Do you know Poe’s story The Gold Bug? These appear to have a secret message, too. The whole ensemble is beautiful and evocative.
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