studio notes / building notes: on working intuitively

+++++ Building notes: No, there is no pattern. Instead: Yes I often start with whatever shaped piece of fabric I find in my pile first. Yes I add contours, textures and details to a panel then figure where it goes after. Yes I cut off morsels and chunks that end up added back in elsewhere. Yes, in this case I'm just sewing extremely wrinkly fabric. Yes I'll get most of an item made, *then* figure out if or how to cut armholes and add sleeves to it.

+++++ When I start I have a notion of what mood or atmosphere I'm feeling inspired by, and maybe a few details I know I want it to include, but I stay open to what the piece wants as I proceed. I stop and stare a lot. I walk as far away as I can and look from across the room.

+++++ This is what I mean when I say I sew intuitively. I'm solving structural and design concerns at the same time I'm aiming to mirror the complex balance of beauty, grace, humor, sorrow, awkwardness and mystery I see as I move through the world.