Kathy Knapp, Gothic Beauty, 2018

“Gothic Beauty” is inspired by historical clothing; primarily the Gothic Era and I attempted to achieve this look with a modern twist. The collar, side fronts, and side backs afford contrast through use of cascading beaded vines and flowers that provide movement within the piece. Contrasting yet complimentary textiles on the left and right front panels accentuates the asymmetric silhouette.
Materials employed included cotton textiles, silk batting, metallic threads, bracelet pieces, a painted bee charm, brass closures, metallic beads, Swarovski crystals, galloon ribbon, and French trim. Surface design techniques include free-motion quilting of interlocked textile squares, traditionally pieced patchwork, fusible applique, hand-beading, and fabric manipulation.