The winner of the Hard Rock Handcrafted category and the Otago Daily Times Supreme Award at the WoolOn Creative Fashion Event in Alexandra was won by the woolen bias dress created in the weaveyourself studio, Hamilton by Louise Cook
“Wool You Love Me?”
A chic, autumn toned country look was created by designing a full length classic dress featuring SAORI style hand-woven, commercial spun Romney wool. The warp is cashmere and a variety of woolen threads were selected and added to the Romney weft. Several weaving techniques were used to create the cloth in order to highlight colours, tones, patterns, textures and drape.
The garment is made with one piece of cloth, cut on the bias with an asymmetrical hemline.
Accessories include a chic, hand woven beret highlighting the autumn tones, complimented with playful woolen pom pom earrings and a bracelet.
Louise says that she finds SAORI hand weaving encourages creativity as you are not following someone else’s pattern. It is very easy to become engrossed in the act of creating the cloth and the rhythm of weaving. The textile that comes off the loom is unique and lends itself to the challenge of “what can this become?”