My Bohemian Vest shown today is an original design, and sometime in the future, I will show and tell the story behind the making of it, but for this article, you will mostly see images. 

The ensemble was shown in Rachel D. K. Clark's Exhibit called Ethnic Inspirations in Garments and Quilts at Back Porch Fabrics Dec 2009 - Feb 2010.




From my mother’s side of the family, I am of Bohemian descent.  My family came to America from Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) in the late1800’s, early 1900’s, mostly settling in Nebraska USA.  In my family, needlework, such as embroidery, and handcrafts, like crochet and sewing were part of my life for as long as I can remember.

As far as the Ethnic Influence of being Bohemian?  For me, it’s as much a mind-set as anything.  It has guided me along my life as an artist with the art forms I explore:  painting, mixed media, wearable art, and quilting.  My work often contains squares, blasts of color, and evidence of the hand.  I treasure using fabric and dearly love to sew.   I am now developing an entire Fashion Experience called The Family Cloth, and would appreciate any feedback from you in that regards.  I have shown professionally and taught for years, taking a few years off to develop my ongoing web design and marketing business.  It seems now I must return to my roots as a maker, and I can't think of a better way to return, than with a program developed around The Family Cloth.

To continue, this is the Bohemian Vest Ensemble.

1.  Front - Full View




2.  Back - Full View



3.  Front - Close



The hat is a vogue pattern; the crocheted granny-square scarf is made from two fronts of a ready-made vest, which I  up-cycled into the scarf. 

4.  Back - Close



5.  Back - Lower View



6.  Neckline - crocheted buttons and crocheted button loops



7.  Label - stitched with my name





There will be another article about the actual design and making of this piece, with sketches and notes.  Please enjoy and
have a super Wednesday!  

- Viktorya