This was a project I started this summer. I began by collecting grocery bags, which I cut into sheets and ironed together to form a fabric, and then I used them to sew this dress, with a design loosely based on a 50s housewife style.
Then I took it shopping.
This photo was taken on December 15, 2006 using an Olympus C5060WZ.
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Comments and faves
seymour templar, OutsaPop Trashion DIY fashion, *sarah, IrisDragon, and 107 other people added this photo to their favorites.
Peggy Dembicer (78 months ago | reply)
Excellent results.Did you get any comments from the other shoppers?
mleak (78 months ago | reply)
Heehee, I sure did. Most people just gave me strange, long looks, but a few asked me about it. Most just wanted to know if I was a designer, or what (I love how "I'm an art major" seems to be an excuse for anything). One of the employees wanted to know where he (?) could buy it, and then there was this one very curmudgeony old guy who started talking about industrial disposable aprons and saying "This isn't anything new! This isn't anything new!" I love my neighborhood.
I was extremely embarrassed at first (I'm not great with performative art) but it was actually quite fun.
Sharon Styer (78 months ago | reply)
It's brillant. Did you actually sew plastic? I didn't realize you could. Now I want to try.
Joey Harrison (78 months ago | reply)
I predict you're gonna get a call from Issey Miyake. Or somebody like that.
lisascenic (76 months ago | reply)
wow...brilliant!
did you ruin your iron doing this?
mleak (76 months ago | reply)
Heh, thanks to all :) Yep, I actually sewed it, and nope, the iron is doing just fine. I had to use layers of newspaper in between the plastic and the iron, otherwise it would melt completely.
yesiamnoimnot (74 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called not intended for use as, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. I love your dress. it shouts a message without saying a word. What could be better.
Feltbug (74 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Artists you should know about, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
MaryJaneM (74 months ago | reply)
Amazing!
Arbel Egger (74 months ago | reply)
great dress...
FazendoArte - Maria Oliveira (73 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called > Reuse > Recrie > Recicle >, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
FazendoArte - Maria Oliveira (72 months ago | reply)
:)
OutsaPop Trashion DIY fashion (72 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called TRASHION NATION - New stuff from other peoples trash, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Post Scriptum (72 months ago | reply)
really nicely done!!! this ironing garbage technique is super interesting
Gollus (72 months ago | reply)
Muy guapo!
Lo recojo para mi blog "Recogedor"
Saludos ;)
Gollus.
usu* (72 months ago | reply)
this is great idea, congrats:)
(came via edgargonzalez blog)
Electric Zebras (71 months ago | reply)
Did you use regular thread sewing this? How has it held up?
P-roy's Toy (70 months ago | reply)
Reminds me of a paper dress I once made and wore to a school un-prom (fund raiser). My dress was floor length and held together with staples and scotch tape. Hard to dance in it, tho !
Recicl'arte HT (70 months ago | reply)
cool very cool...
Megan Ashley Graf (68 months ago | reply)
absolutely beautiful.
Yaiyo_chan (64 months ago | reply)
Great picture!!
I'm doing the same thing, but the bags keep getting holes in them from the iron and the wax paper I'm using keeps sticking to the plastic. Got any tips?
mleak (64 months ago | reply)
Thanks Yaiyo_chan -- when I worked with the bags, I used a couple layers of newspaper between the iron and plastic instead of wax paper. As long as I kept the iron moving, it seemed to be okay, and wouldn't melt through or stick. Maybe give that a shot? Good luck! I'd love to see what you come up with.
fadwa2cool (62 months ago | reply)
how did u iron it wudnt it stick to the uron wen it melts??i need to make something like this for a skool project can u help me?? email me the steps at luiv94@yahoo.com plz and thank u.
.liL aLien. (62 months ago | reply)
this is way way cool!:))
Max Estes (59 months ago | reply)
can I get this in paper? ; )
Maria - kjoo (57 months ago | reply)
brilliant!
roman à clef (55 months ago | reply)
fantastic!!!!
chuha (55 months ago | reply)
Those bags are somewhat translucent....this might end up being a pretty risque/sexy little number!
karen ☆ [deleted] (54 months ago | reply)
Amazing!
Wordswordswords (54 months ago | reply)
haha, awesome
marinitahhh (53 months ago | reply)
I am going to try this for a concert! thanks!
Damien James (49 months ago | reply)
Brilliant. It would be amazing if everyone started reusing and recycling like this... Excellent work.
Canon_Rebel_User (47 months ago | reply)
Wow what a lovely 50s style dress.
Urban Woodswalker (37 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called PET Bottle and other Plastics Recycled Creativity, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Fantastic
Urban Woodswalker (25 months ago | reply)
Have you considered exhibiting this? I am currently seeking out artists who create fashion from recycled "trash".....for a 1.5 month long exhibit in a lovely 6000 sq foot gallery . Let me know if you would like more info. the show is in the Chicago region.
mleak (25 months ago | reply)
It actually has been in a couple of exhibits, but I would certainly be interested in learning more about your show and perhaps participating. Shoot me a note! Thanks for all the comment love.