Unit X - Mid-Point Evaluation

I have learned a lot from my practice unit, which has changed my attitude towards my unit X project. I will refrain from being too ambitious regarding work load, and instead focus my energy into my weaving. This will ensure I am using my time to thoroughly develop and resolve my samples.

Time management plan

The digital designs that I have produced are time efficient, because they will enrich my weaving compositionally, whilst also allowing me to participate in an outward facing project. I aim to produce a collection of digitally printed designs on fabric to enter into the 'Limitless' brief by i-Dott.

My digital drawing designs

I am focusing on my strengths of using unconventional yarns and combining crochet elements. Instead of surface embellishment, I am embellishing the weave from within the structure. This will push the boundaries of my weaving, challenging what is practical, whilst providing me with a structured format to work with.

Lily Tennant

I aim to produce a collection of meter long passementerie weaves, inspired by Rebecca Louise Law's installation consisting of mass amounts of long floral forms hanging from supports. I intended for my weaves to become jewellery or fashion pieces, however, it was suggested that I display my work on bobbins, because it is more practical, similar to how Lily Tennant presents her work.

Unit X - Week 4

I noticed the quality of my weaves improved with the black warp, as they had the dramatic aesthetic that I desired. The varying yarns have resulted in obscure and abstract interpretations of my inspirational images, whilst remaining true in terms of colour and surface texture.

Inspirational photo, my drawing, my weaving (beads & cord)

I developed my drawings in Photoshop to create compositions to help me visualise the structure of my weaves. My compositional skills have improved and strengthened my direction. I noticed they capture a quality of Alexander McQueen's printed fabrics.

Alexander McQueen garment

I would like to create a series of digital fabric prints, using these designs to create a collection for the 'Limitless' brief from the i-Dott competition. This will be an efficient use of my time, because the designs can help enrich my project by informing my weaves, whilst allowing me to engage in outward facing activity.

My digital drawing designs

Unit X - Week 3

I encountered a problem with my white warp, because the majority of my visions required a black warp to allow my weft to stand out. I resolved this by dying my warp on the loom, which would require treating after being woven.

My photographs of insects

The green lurex contrasted exquisitely against the black warp. However, my crocheted green monofilament cord was less successful. It had an interesting aesthetic, but the result was twisted and lacked refinement. I aim to develop my crochet further with regards to unconventional yarn.

My weave (green lurex & crocheted monofilament)

Unit X - Week 2

Elizabeth Asdhown

Instead of embellishing the surfaces of my weaves with embroidery like my last unit, I decided to embellish my weaves from within the structure using different yarns and cords, taking inspiration from Elizabeth Ashdown's weaving style and media.

Unsuccessful yarn testing

I experimented with iridescent yarns to emulate the surface qualities of the beetles I photographed. However, my samples lacked the quality of my inspiration, due to the colour being muted with the white warp. I limited the warp's dominance by utilising floating weft patterns. This mimicked the repeat of form, to highlight how small sections can be repeated to create length, resulting in impact.

Inspirational photo, my drawing, my weave (cord, lurex & twill)

I tested strips of beads, knitted cords, braids, cords and crocheted my own yarns. The knitted cords lack structure, so are unsuitable for large loops, but are appropriate for smaller loops and incorporating into the weave structure. The most successful weave consisted of pale glittery lurex with a flash of red, which contrasted effectively. It had a strong cord, which kept its structure and made my sample robust.