Frutti bags

These are some bags I've sewn using Frutti block-printed cotton. Though I'm addicted to block-printing and really love how it conveys a handmade feel, I'm not sure what's the general perception of its finish. I'm wondering if some people could misunderstand the whole effect with a shoddily made screen-print. After all we are nowadays accustomed to mass produced textile goods that look almost flawless.

These bags are going to a newly opened shop here in Santiago with whom I have also been working on the design of their brand identity. More on that soon.

Inspiration-abundance

Ekekos picture from Cltn's Flickr

I've been trying to build a sort of mood board with these Frutti print samples and other elements that represent abundance, fertility and spring (am I too early yearning for it?). I've always admired the Altiplano's weaving, woolens and their use of bright colours in contrast with the dryness of the surroundings. (Above) Pompoms symbolise fertility and are beautifully used in the llamas flowering ritual. (Centre) An Aymará faja (sash) in bright fuchsia and lemon green. (Below) Some colour overloaded ekekos.

Frutti block-printing

This is my first attempt at block-printing. I couldn't get a linoleum block to carve the motif so I made it out of foam rubber which proved to work pretty good. The tricky part is applying the right and even amount of pressure to the block, otherwise it may result in an irregular printed colour. I'll keep practising...

Thrift shawls

These are my latest finds from a recent trip to a thrift store here in Santiago (en calle Bandera, para los que conocen). Beautiful "in the style of folk East European" 100% wool shawls, but I'm afraid they are not original, just "inspired by" pieces. It's difficult to say whether they are vintage, or should I say retro? Since reading the article Old Hat (Is vintage fashion looking dated?) in Selvedge issue number 21 I'm very conscious when it comes to putting a date on such items. It says the term "retro" should be applied to anything from to the last 25 years or between 1975 and the beginning of 21st century while "vintage" is between 1920 and 1975. Anything earlier is classified as "antique". Well, let's assume these shawls are just retro.

The black shawl was slightly felted, probably when washed, hence its floral print looks quite blurry and leaked. But for me, it just adds to the charm of it. I don't think the red shawl looks as dazzling as it is live (yes, is it any possible to be brighter than this?). The four of them have frayed borders and are constantly loosing threads, this is not supposed to be happening, isn't it?

L’amour est un poisson rebelle

Que nul ne peut apprivoiser.

My latest drawings had to do with fish. Further sketching and fish turned into a mermaid who fell in love with a diver down in Mare Balticum. A complex relationship. Is she going up to live with him? Or is he coming down?

A perfect print for a canvas shopping tote.