I began by pulling out my portfolio and looking over all my past work. I manged to narrow down my choices to three. I then could not decide if should use all three images and find a way of linking the three together images together. I again stepped away and took some time to reflect and think of design ideas and how I can develop the images in stitch. I decided to proceed with one image first and see where that sample led me.
The first image that stood out to me was the image below. The repetitive lines, varying in sizes and I felt inspired and began sketching my ideas.
I knew I wanted to manipulate the surface of the base; I firstly went through my book Fabric Manipulation 150 Creative Sewing Techniques by Ruth Singer. and Layered Cloth The Art of Fabric Manipulation by Ann Small. I wanted to produce lines within the fabric, I looked through the books and gathered ideas and sketched them into my sketchbook. And then developed them into samples.
I wanted to stay with black and white, using a black yarn to
create to the lines meant I needed to find a white/cream base.
As you can see from the images of my sample below it is just as interesting on the back as it is on the front.
I felt this sample was a I good starting point to develop on
from. I wish I had gone for a larger piece of fabric to create a larger surface.
Although even the smaller surface took longer than expected with all the hand
stitching, so perhaps keeping it smaller for now is a better idea.
Sample 2
Using my original samples my next sample was going to based on the layering technique. I took out my sketchbook and began sketching my idea.
I began by sourcing different fabrics, looking for loose
weave fabrics that would fray more easily. In black and white, layering the
material in no particular order. Again I choose to work with an A3 size, pinning
into place all the different layers before running the layers through the sewing
machine.
I then began cutting into the layers, this was incredibly difficult with the narrower lines. I had to go slowly trying to avoid cutting through the whole sample rather than just the layers. Unfortunately about half way through the sample I must of become complacent and managed to cut right through the middle of the sample. Rather than start the sample over again. I cut a new piece of fabric as a base surface and then put the now two halves of my sample attached to the new fabric. I then stitched along the lines again to make the backing fabric seem as though it was always there. After this had been completed, I then realised I had sewn it around the wrong way. It reminded me of wabi-sabi, that in fact I had been distracted by my daughter and had mended the error and created a new unique piece. It did not affect the finish and I looked the more randomness of the lines.
The chose of fabric worked well as it naturally frayed as it was cut. If I was to rework the piece I would have liked to have worked on a larger scale cutting the layers of fabric into different tiers so the layers were easier to distinguish between the different layers. I also wonder if I should of added more stitches to the sample, I could of added stitches down the centre of the black lines but I am not sure if it would have added to the sample or not.
Sample 3
For my final sample I wanted to use the softer image sleeve using this image as a starting point.
With this piece I wanted to incorporate the ideas gathered from my research into artists who use recycled items in their work. I had just recently changed my curtains and had kept the old pair as I thought the fabric could come in useful at some point, little did I know it would be so soon.
As I began to cut the fabric up it became apparent that the
fabric had a fold within it. I did not want to lose the creased lines in the
fabric, so I incorporated these into my design. I began to sketch out my idea
on how I was going to portray the softer lines on the image in stitch. I did not
want to work on a square/ rectangle base surface. I wanted to work with the shape
of the sleeve, this meant me sewing together strips of the curtain lining make
the base surface into the shape of a V.
Hand stitching the strips together leaving the raw edges on show, as I thought they represented the running ink on paper. I did not want the lines to feel appear as harsh. I chose to work with a soft material that would fray to again give the same effect of the running ink. I chose to use chiffon it varying widths and at varying widths apart. The smaller strips seemed to fray more than the wider strips. The fraying increased as the strips where being pulled in and out of the fabric being stitched.
Out of three of the pieces, this one is my favourite, its
soft, frayed edges feel different to the other pieces I have created throughout
this unit. I am also pleased that I did not have to purchase any additional
fabrics the base was recycled from my curtains; the chiffon was as scrap piece I
had from a previous project. The stitches also mean they can be pulled and made
wider adding to the effect of the piece. Not only are the lines soft but the
fabric to touch is soft and delicate. Overall in encapsulates the image I am basing
this piece on.
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