Introducing: Susan Marling of Marling Originals

I know from my own path into metalsmithing that there is much more behind the scenes of any craft than most people realize. I'm fascinated by the process that artists go through to create their work, and the journey that brought them to start practicing their craft.

I sat down with my friend Susan Marling of Marling Originals, a textile artist, to learn a little more about what she does. I think you'll be intrigued by this peek behind the curtain.

 

 

For those who are unfamiliar with you and your work, can you tell us a little about your business and what you sell?

I create one of a kind silk tops, jackets, scarves and dresses.   Each garment I make starts as a piece of white silk.  I marble, dye or paint the pattern onto the fabric and then cut and sew these pieces of fabric into garments.  My silk clothing is travel-friendly, easy-care and cool in heat and humidity.  I design clothing for real women - styles that flatter with a relaxed, comfortable look.

I love the unique look of your fabrics. How do you achieve the intricate patterns on silk?

My primary technique is marbling - an ancient art form.   I float drops of paint on a liquid in a large tray -  5 to 8 colors for most color combinations.  I use rakes and combs to pull the floating paint into intricate patterns.  I lay a piece of silk on top of the floating pattern and when I pull the fabric off, I have a unique piece of fabric.  I drop new paint for each piece of fabric.

How did you get started in this craft?

After getting married in 1997, my husband and I decided to change our lives completely.  We quit our corporate stressful jobs and I started this business.  I had sewn garments from my early teen years and was starting to experiment with surface design.  I started selling scarves at  local craft shows, then regional events on the East coast and slowly added garments to my collection.  Fine craft  galleries began representing my work in 2010.  Today, I am moving my work to online only.

What goes into making one of your more complicated designs?

My pieced designs and highly embellished jackets are some of my more complicated garments because there can be technical skills in the actual embellishment and sewing as well as there is a skill set to putting different patterns and colors together.  Those take longer than other designs.

What is your favorite thing about making hand-dyed clothing?

I love making beautiful things.  I love creating garments that make women feel good about themselves.  My clothes are flattering to wear - they are designed to fit in a relaxed comfortable way that looks attractive.  My customers tell me they love wearing my clothing, so that is extremely rewarding.

What is one thing that you want customers to understand about what you do, or that customers often get wrong or don't understand?

When a woman purchases from me, she is buying a one-of-a-kind garment that was made by a real person - every step of the process is touched by my hands.  A bit of my soul is infused in each garment and my hope is that each piece makes the wearer feel special and pretty.

 

It is such a privilege to know and support artists and their small businesses, especially in this age of fast fashion and AI replicated products. If you enjoyed this look into Susan's process, you should check out her online shop at Marling Originals. Susan is offering a limited time discount of 15% sitewide when you use code FLYINGCROW. This is a perfect time to add one of her beautiful garments to your wardrobe!