Barbara Schutzgruber – Storyteller & Weaver

Couture (adjective): of, relating to, or being high-end custom-made fashion
Cartography (noun): the science or art of making maps
Combining science, aesthetics and technique, cartography builds on the premise that reality (or an imagined reality) can be modeled in ways that communicate spatial information effectively.

Having finished my dress Couture Cartography [see March 2024 blog] for the Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild exhibit at the Village Theater in Canton Michigan the next step was to make something to wear at the opening reception.

My first idea was the pattern I used to make a vest after making a heavier felt with metallic fabric imbedded –   Cutting Line Designs pattern #12214 Light & Shadow.  I knew the cowl would be a challenge but thought the paper would lay smoothly for the body.

Regrettably this did not work with paper and getting it on/off was a problem. On to the next idea – try Pattern #1028 Artist Vest by Dana Marie Design, Co.  – the pattern I used to make my Surround Sound Vest  [see July 2013 blog].

Prototype constructed. This pattern worked much better but the fit was cone-shaped. Searching the web for other ideas I came across an amazing paper garment. Here was my solution – add a belt!

Now I pulled out the remaining National Geographic maps and made the actual vest. I planned to have a green belt as contrast and tested accenting the vertical seam lines with a green stripe.

Seeing everything sewn together and upright on the dress form – I decided to keep it simple and not add the extra green accent.

Folding the paper on the dress form to shaped the bust-line, allowing the paper to ‘do what it wanted to do’, created a lovely shape for the neckline. A map of the Alps made the belt with a magnet & velcro closures.

Even though I cannot sit wearing the vest it will be fairly comfortable for the reception. A map pendant necklace and custom name tag finished the look. The gallery suggested creating a QR code linked to the March 2024 blog for patrons to read how Couture Cartography was made.

The opening reception was well attended and I throughly enjoyed talking with attendees!

I am always amazed at the variety and calibre of work members of AAFG create.

Guild member Karen Koykka O’Neal is a paper maker.
Her sculpture Seashells by the Seashore has me thinking
about a future collaboration for one more paper garment…
Making a gardener’s vest
from paper made with plant fibers.