A very happy collaboration was formed after a young artist attended one of my workshops. I had always admired his painted denim jackets and now he was at my sewing workshop!
Soon after we decided to try to work on something together for the “Dias Patrias” of Nicaragua. That is, the patriotic days, which are Sept. 14 and 15 and celebrate independence.
We tossed around different ideas like the national bird (Guardabarranco), tree (Madroño), and flower (Sacuanjoche). Then we discussed the different sewing techniques that I was using on denim, both by machine and by hand. Some of these included: applique, reverse applique, sashiko, blanket stitch, zigzag, and others.
As the holiday dates approached, we were invited to a television show to talk about our collaboration. Quickly we had to finish our three pieces: two jackets and a tote bag.
The first jacket was a lot of work as we made the hat of the “Toro Huaco” who is a character in the “Gueguense.” Three pieces of denim made the three parts of the hat. After being painted and cut out, they were attached to jacket back and embellished.
The second jacket had the Sacuanjoche flower which also was sewn to the back, painted and embellished.
The final piece was a painted jean pocket that included volcanos and sacuanjoches. It was attached to a canvas tote bag, then sprinkled with paint.
This is the first collaboration that included working together on pieces, but I hope it is not the last!