Making a Wearable Seaweed Paper Garment - Part 1, Planning

I have committed to (attempting to) make a wearable garment for musician Emily Sheppard to wear whilst playing her kelp violin. I’d like it be ready for a performance she has planned in mid October, so I need to get on with it! I’ve been mulling over the details for a few weeks now, and I’m ready to start.

Design of garment

Playing the violin is an active process. Emily needs to have free movement of her shoulders and arms. Seaweed paper is not at all stretchy, and I’m not sure how strong I can make it.

I have decided to make a long vest. This will leave arms free, and will also be easy to take on and off, so she won’t need to wear it while travelling or sitting. But I’d like it to be long, to adequately showcase the seaweed paper.

Choice of seaweed pulps

As this is my first attempt at making a wearable garment from seaweed paper, I will choose the pulps that I think have the greatest chance of success – ones that will be least likely to shrink, crack or turn brittle.

I have made up a big bucket full of mixed bleached green seaweeds. It looks beautiful, with lots of texture and detail. However this will probably not been discernable to the audience unless they are close.

 I am thus going to add a design in a contrasting colour. I have a number of brown pulps picked out for this, and I have made some small test sheets. They are looking promising!