MEET THE MAKER: ASH

At Silk & Stitch, there's nothing we love more than seeing the incredible work our clients create come to life. One client who consistently impresses us with their creativity and dedication is Ash. It's always inspiring to witness the passion and innovation Ash brings to every project.

Instagram: @ashbentleyyy

Youtube: @ashbentley

Can you tell us about the creative process behind the Taylor Swift inspired dress? Did you have any challenges and if so how did you overcome them?

 

It's a little funny, I had decided I was going to attempt that dress about a year before I actually made it, but didn't look at any reference images while I collected materials. And it wasn't until just before I started the project that I realised that what I was picturing was quite different to Taylor's dress. So I kind of accidentally made it my own. It worked out amazingly in my favour though, because as many other creators who have attempted this dress have learnt, it's *so* hard to cover a large area with individual jewels. The base of the dress is entirely see through, so having the various sizes of embellishments to piece together is what made this project possible. I don't think I could have done it without the embellishments. 

How do you feel the treasure trove boxes enhanced or influenced these creations?

 

Something I struggle with is overthinking, and I have a bad habit of deliberating for too long and not making decisions (cutting the fabric when I'm draping is terrifying). The lucky dip nature of the treasure trove boxes takes away some of that decision paralysis by deciding for me what I'm working with. I also don't thrive working in the order of design> source>execute. My design inspiration usually comes from the materials themselves; source>design>execute. And the design always evolves as I'm making it. So these are perfect for me and my process because what I need as a starting point is materials that inspire me.

Do you have a favourite piece or project you’ve created with our products?

 

It's probably always going to be the latest one! I was so proud of the Taylor Swift inspired dress, which really built on the bejewelled headpiece process. But my latest make, the lace gown and cape made with the mystery box is probably my current favourite. The time crunch combined with not knowing what my fabric was before I started really sparked my creativity. Honestly I'm amazed at how that turned out, I didn't think I had it in me. And I like it more than my wedding dress I made last year! I'm starting to think I might have to make a wedding gown every year as a bit of a challenge to see how my skills and design sensibilities change.

We have to agree with Ash’s favourite! Using our Mystery Fabric , Ash created a breathtaking bridal gown with an opulent hooded cape. We are blown away by the finished product, and we absolutely loved following along her journey. You can see more of her incredible design process here.

What product from our website is your favourite to work with?

That's a tricky one! The embellishments treasure trove box is unlike anything else, but I absolutely loved working with the mystery box. I'm not sure I've ever had so much of the same fabric to play with, let alone a high quality lace. It challenged me to make something I never thought I would have the opportunity to, and allowed me to be really creative with it. That being said, I have a package of bone silk tulle from the bulk fabric boutique (15 meters!) and it is STUNNING, so I'm incredibly excited to work with that in the coming months. 

Anna Rowlands