Exercise 4.3 Re-interpret, re-invent

 Exercise 4.3 Re-interpret, re-invent

Pulling out my Renaissance image from exercise 3.2 and the library of yarns that were used to create the yarn wraps. I am beginning to realise how useful it is to create the colour book and to have the work to hand. And having a log of where the yarn came from was so helpful as I had to order some more supplies.

Looking at the list of techniques to try I was keen to try French knitting, plaiting and macramé. After researching each of the techniques I scrapped macramé as I could not see how it would sit with the yarns and the renaissance image.

I chose French knitting as I remember doing it when I was a little girl and never quite knowing what the purpose was for it. At least this time I would find a use for the knitted yarn. Practicing knitting to start with and working out what worked well and what did not. Then adding additional yarns into the knit and even stumbling across happy accidents. I also discovered they did a 6 prong knitting Nancy, the name of what they are called is also a new discovery to me! 

I found it difficult to follow the written instructions that came with the knitting Nancy, I found it more helpful to follow a Youtube video with instructions, following it step by step;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2deLwV1zXmA

Once I felt I had sufficiently tested the techniques and explored the yarn options I had I then went about created my three final yarns. 

For my selection of yarns I chose to use the navy yarn, with delicate copper thread running through the knit. For the second yarn, I wanted to replicate the yarn wraps. Knotting together the lengths of yarn and then knitting it into one continues piece of knitting. For my final piece I wanted to use the ribbon as in the trail knitting I felt it created an interesting visual effect, although more difficult to create due to the slippery satin slipping of the prongs.

 For the second yarn I wanted to look plaiting, not just your standard 3 strings of yarn plaiting. I suppose what I mean really is braiding. Again using textured yarn to create interesting effects and learning new techniques, even finding new tools to plait with. 

The first yarn I wanted to demonstrate texture, using some of the key colours and textured yarns seen on the yarn wraps and plaiting them together. Once I had the three yarns plaited together I then weaved a length of cut organza to use as yarn, this again added a different texture to the yarn.

For the next yarn I wanted to learn a new technique, I had the idea of looking at some friendship bracelet design. Again finding a video tutorial on Youtube to follow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZgp8_8-voQ

Choosing yarns to work with that would braid easily and colours that complimented each other.

For the final yarn I wanted to try a tool I had come across when looking for the French knitting tool I came across a braiding star. I wanted to know how it worked and what could be achieved with the tool. Using Youtube again as I found the written instructions to difficult to follow. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqoJVQUmsco&t=12s

Trying new techniques helped me to develop my successes, finding out what worked well and then pushing it further. For example with my French knitting pieces, starting with a simple yarn and pushing ideas until finally ending up with the final piece with navy yarn and copper thread through. But from the develop came failures as well when boundaries where pushed too far. This was evident whilst trying to French knit with a more textured yarn, I found it was incredibly difficult to knit with or became to thick to fit through the whole. But I would not have known this had I not tried in the first place. I enjoy this part of the develop process, not knowing what the result will turn out like.

On reflection I think I played it to safe with some of the yarns and techniques, although the braided technique with the three colours was intricate, I think I could have developed it further. Explored using softer braiding instead of the tight braiding used, explored other colours, or even manipulated the yarn itself.

The yarns I chose to work with were key colours which I felt helped to reflect the image, mixing rough more textured yarns to replicate the rugged landscape. And then using more softer, sleeker yarns to replicate the richness in the lady’s dress.

I also tried to replicate the yarn wrap itself in one of the pieces using different amounts of yarn colour to depict the amount of colour seen in the picture. One thing I did struggle with was understanding how much yarn I would need to create these pieces. Once knitted the yarn seemed a lot smaller.

I am pleased to have added two new techniques to my skills, this is a key area of the course I have enjoyed.