Tessuti Awards 2010

Linen and Lace, by Helene Herbert

Pattern Used: My own design
Fabrics Used: All tessuti: Rice Zin linen, flower cut-out linen, heavy crinkle linen, lace trim, cotton/nylon for lining.
Time To Create: 2 weeks on and off
Dress Influenced By: A beautiful summer’s day and the happiness I feel when I see the sun rising. Made to wear during the day when spending time with great company, but can also be dressed up to wear to a party on the beach later that night. I wanted something that was fun, youthful, pretty, intricate and versatile. When I saw the flower cutout linen- it was love!
Additional Information: I love designing but it was challenging to create a dress for day wear that incorporated lace. I eventually thought of a tent silhouette design as it is free-moving, fun and casual. The pattern making required the most amount of time, as it was challenging to make a bodice without darts that shaped the figure. I constructed a number of toiles until I was happy with the style and fit. I made my own piping for the neckline and sleeves and hand-stitched two sections of lace together to create the waistband. By doing this and then adding pintucks to the skirt section, I feel I have applied some of the principles of heirloom sewing.

Name: Helene Herbert
State: SA
Sewing Since: 16 years old
My Experience: Now 20, I have had an immense love of fashion since I was a little girl. I never wanted to dress like other people and my mother taught me sewing basics so I could make things for myself that were 100% original. I entered AATFA in 2007 to win the casual daywear category for SA. During my last year of high school in 2008 I created two casual daywear outfits that awarded me first and second place both in SA and nationally and I took the title of 'Apex Australia Teenage Designer of The Year'. From that night onwards, there is not one day I'm not thinking of designs and dreaming of my future. I studied Fashion Design at TAFE in 2009 but for the past two years have been studying marketing. I still sew a lot because fashion keeps me sane!!
My Sewing Goals: I would really love to have my own fashion label. I cannot think of anything more satisfying. That is my dream and I am determined to reach it.
Additional Information: I'm passionate about vintage clothing, quality-made clothing, clothes that make people's jaws drop, being bold and wearing whatever your heart desires. http://helene-herbert.blogspot.com/