Aftershow

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Trying to construct an article of clothing out of material that has a plastic like component to it, to fit the curves of the female body, is challenging! I had to fit, sew, remove, fit, sew, remove, fit sew, remove, it went on and on, not fitting correctly, not nudging the curves correctly. It was exasperating, to say the least and since, I have to work my 40/hr work week, there were days that I thought, this will never work! I thought to myself (and said to anyone that would listen) "How many times do I have to sew and remove this piece". I could get one side to work, but not the other. I turned and sewed, removed, turned, etc, etc. Ug. finally, it worked! CELEBRATE - I broke into dance and song!!

Sewing the Neckline

"It was difficult to sew these folds and keep them straight and in-line. Since the material is made with Teflon on it or in it (as I have been told), it bends and curves, so sewing (and cutting) straight lines, like most cotton-like material would perform, is very difficult. This material is much more challenging."

Pieces and Stitches

I did not have an official pattern for this dress. I used my old prom dress pattern, that of course, I have had for about 30 something years, (you know I never throw away perfectly good items)and re-fitted it to fit my size zero model. My own wedding dress was the inspiration for this final design, while using my prom dress pattern and then re-sizing everything down to fit my model. Also, I cut the pattern pieces extra big to begin with, becasue I was afraid to cut everything to the exact size, remembering, it is easier to cut smaller, but not so easy to glue it back together (as I found out in 9th grade when I cut the shirt I was making for my father). Live and learn, but never forget those lessons.

Maria's Big Idea

Maria Rusomaroff is a Planner for the City of Indianapolis. She is also passionate about re purposing used materials. If she had her way, we would all be as dedicated as she is. I know. I am her husband Clyde Gaw.

Growing up as a teenager on the West Side of Indianapolis during the '70's, Maria made most of her clothes. Self taught, Maria is highly skilled in the textile arts and can stitch and sew with anyone.

One evening last summer, Maria told me of her idea. "I am thinking about submitting a proposal for a dress design to Project IMA: Fashion Unbound. I want to use the material from the RCA Dome and turn it into a dress."

"That's nice honey," I casually replied while flipping burgers on the grill. Little did I know, her proposal would be accepted, and her 'project' would have a significant place in our home and family life for the next six weeks.

In late August of 2010 Maria received an acceptance letter from the event organizers of Project IMA Fashion Unbound.

She would have until October 20th to complete her dress.

The first week of September, Maria obtained special industrial Teflon infused material from the interior of the RCA Dome roof reclaimed by the People for Urban Progress. Motivated to express and represent her vision, Maria has worked weekends after her work hours are finished at the City County Building to create her fashion masterpiece.

Utilizing photos taken by daughter and part time dome-wedding dress model Kelby, this blog will provides readers with insight into Maria's working processes and document her experience transforming material from the Hoosier Dome ceiling into a wedding dress.