Once upon a time... after the big bang anyways... there was a sketch of a top for which I wanted to use contrasting colors. Or maybe I bought the fabrics and then made this sketch... in any case, mesmerized by these iridescent shades of purple and green I took 2 m of each - let's call them gred and purpink. But the flow of this silk cotton and the idea of my top didn't really get along or I lost enthusiasm somewhere along the way, anyways after some time I was left with 2 m in bits and pieces of purpink and of course gred. 
The contrast inspired me however to try something twisted both literally and figuratively- and it implied thick cotton fusible canvas and machine embroidery on the edge- which seemed like a tough task for my sewing machine from the very beginning but it wasn't enough for me to give up:D. In the virtual museum of the exuberance necklace this would be Exuberance Neanderthalensis ---------->
Each side was made out of 2 pieces so next I made a compact design and worked on a feasible "how-to" which should still be somewhere on this blog. Experiments with paper helped in testing the design.
The special lady customer who bought the first Exuberance Necklace in my shop started a trend among her friends so I got the amazing chance last year to make more than 30 necklaces in different colors for them and it gave me the perfect opportunity to expand my color palette.
I could write a book about this necklace- the numerous tricky chapters, special aspects that need special attention, all the variations - you wouldn't believe what a full universe I discovered in what appeared to be just a fabric "necklace".
My small Singer sewing machine put up gracefully with my necklaces for a while -or better said put up with me, but when we received an order for 17 necklaces she said- ok, that's it, we need help! That's when Rani came in - an industrial zig-zag embroidery machine, high speed stitching and powerful motor- the better I got to know her, the more I got to like her! She still has plenty to show me, one day we'll do free hand embroidery together!
2011 was surely an "exuberant year":) One morning's restlessness, fabrics bought for other purposes, the challenge of stitching double layers of thick canvas and many other details made it so. I am still not done with all the exuberance, I am still happy to work on new variations with hand painting, hanging pendants or abstract embroidery and I love the challenge of discovering new shapes for the same design with every photo session!
Amazing! I always like to hear / read about the process of experimenting around the initial idea. Especially when the result is so unique.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ana! I've been wanting to put this down for a while, glad it's done!
ReplyDeletethanks for telling us the beginnings of your creations!
ReplyDeleteSo cool how this all came together... purple and green are my two favorite colors to put together... LOve your work Magda!
ReplyDeletethey are so lovely! and what a story to show how 1 happy customer spreads the word!!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh .. the birth on your ingenious creation; as fresh & unique as it is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. Not only are you incredibly talented and creative with your sewing, but I love your style of writing. You are so funny. I was riveted! Thanks for sharing your evolving process!
ReplyDeleteI SO would give anything to hit upon something that SELLS... You're so lucky!!!
ReplyDeleteVery unique and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWooow... Gorgeous!!!! Thank you for sharing behind your lovely necklaces !!! Hey and I really Love your sawing machine :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful! i love learning about the process. and love your sewing machine! very rustic feel to it.
ReplyDeleteI truly wish I could be lucky enough to find my one thing that would generate sales, love your sewing machine :)
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing.
ReplyDeleteuniquecozytreasures - Beautiful!
ReplyDeletebeautiful! I love seeing how your work is created :)
ReplyDeleteWOW! I love seeing how you make these. Most especially I like the picture with all the different scarves on it. That is a COOL pic.
ReplyDeleteI must say I love you work but your sewing machine is lovely as well! Mine hasn't been working very well and I am inspired by you to get it fixed. Thanks You!
ReplyDeleteIt was such a nice post, to know about the how it all began , for the Exuberance Necklaces... they are indeed unique and you must be proud that you created a new trend....
ReplyDeletePlease do vote for me at Naughty Notions Challenge, my Potli bag is the entry, for more details check HERE.
I very happy you have had such success with this necklace it is fab and I really like the pink and green
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice story about the birth of your gorgeous necklace!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Your necklaces are so very popular, which is hardly surprising since they are so lovely! I love the gorgeous contrasting colours you put together, so vibrant and cheerful.
ReplyDeleteBusy?? Its almost a month since this post!!
ReplyDeleteHi Deepa- sorry:)) Busy is not a good enough excuse, lack of inspiration is;) I'LL TRY MORE OFTEN!!
ReplyDeletehmm..let the mojo come back..take your time :)
ReplyDelete