My new favourite technique ...

As a self confessed print obsessive I have definitely developed a new favourite technique in the current project; Expanding puff binder. Its fun, has a lot of wonder and excitement (if your a sad obsessive printer like me)and the outcome can be very effective. I'm so enthusiastic about it, I filmed my work on the steam press, Expansion in action!:

Music Masterpieces' Rebirth ...

Here is some progress from my sketchbook and very early studies and looking at typography for the first time.

My recycled sketchbook 'Music Masterpieces' (although I have heard of none of the titles personally lol):



My text message (illustrated):



One of the first exercises we completed:



And another!:



And how could I resist abit of arty nonsense with such a pretty old book?:

Snow on Snow, Snow on Snow ...

Here are my Nine completed knit samples based on 'In the Bleak Midwinter ...' I experimented with different materials as yarns such as dental floss, ribbon and organza, as well as more conventional yarns. The photos are predominantly close ups and arty shots because the samples have not yet been mounted, but I do still think that you can get the overall feel of my work. All of these samples will contribute towards my final garment section, at this stage im leaning towards making a sleeve. Further photographs will follow when my samples are mounted and ready for display.

Sample One:






Sample Two:





Sample Three:






Sample Four:






Sample Five:







Sample Six:










Sample Seven:








Sample Eight:



Sample Nine:

Snow had fallen, Snow on Snow …

With ‘In the Bleak Midwinter …’ progressing nicely I began translating my designs and work into knit samples.

As I had chosen to study ‘Trees and Hedgerows’ within the project and how they are affected by snow I concentrated largely on texture within my sample development. Thinking about the textures of trees and bark and how these appear when covered in snow. I considered the rough bumpy texture of bark and began to consider a colour scheme that related to the snow, ice and frost which covered the trees. I also thought about trickling water and ice in cracks and how they all affect and change trees. This all became a basis for my design work. A line from the Christina Rossetti poem from which the project arose echoed regularly in my mind ‘Snow on Snow.’ Leading to the idea of layers and giving the visual impact of snow upon snow upon texture.

Here are a few very early scraps developing my ideas, choosing my yarns, colour schemes and preferred techniques etc:

Below: Random FairIsle pattern created using my grey/blue wool and a cream and blue acrylic mix, then felted. Knot created by hooking back on the machine after casting off.



Below: Created using a tuck stitch pattern, hooking up and ladders.


Below: Tuck stitch with Ribbon knitted in.

Visual Studies (Semester One) …

As semester one was quite simply summed up in one post (not ideally what I would have liked to do if Id had more time) I have decided to post just a few of what I consider to be my best visual studies work from semester one. This is much more belated than I would have liked as semester two is in full swing and very busy but I’m trying to find moments to scan at every opportunity possible. Here are some of my visual studies and development work from my first three projects, I will attempt to add more text, time permitting, to discuss and consider each project, but sadly it will only be a retrospective.

Year One, Semester One ...

The resulting Practical work from my first semester at University studing Textiles Design.

'Money doesn't grow on Trees' collection ...




'Lest we Forget' collection ...




'Don't forget the label' collection ...



During my first semester studying Textiles Design at Derby University Knit, Print and Weave were the topics of study. I gained a basic knowledge of these areas and learned skills which enabled me to create considered samples relating to the given topics. The best of my final samples for each area can be seen above, Here are some examples of the favourite parts of my work from semester one: