Black Ibis

Jame't Jackson, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA

Keywords: design, quilting

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This look is developed from an illustration project inspired by the critically acclaimed film *Black Swan* and the concept of fierce, dark birds like ravens, and the prehistoric textures of the cassowary. The intensity of the birds and the essence of fear, ferocity and darkness inspired the limited color palette and severe shapes. Quilting was used to translate the dinosaur like skin some of these birds have on their powerful legs, almost like armor. The process was challenging but accomplished on a home sewing machine with a special presser foot that would allow for "freestyle quilting." This type of quilting is used to stitch intricate designs on a quilt by using the needle as a "pencil" by moving the quilt around smoothly under it to "draw" the design on the quilt.

The feather-like large motif was drawn with washable chalk with swirling and overlapping feathers on the right side of the sweatshirt fabric. Synthetic batting was adhered to the back side of the fabric and each panel quilted individually. An industrial machine was used to stitch straight lines to fill up the negative space to make the feathers stand out.

The skirt is paired with a body suit reflects the black swan's sophistication. The tubular inserts on the shoulders and the wrists mimic the protrusions on some birds' beaks. The bodysuit is made of cotton jersey knit, (95% Cotton, 5% Lycra).