1.1.9 Evaluation of Origins Unit

This post marks the end of my journey through construct, my mind had been opened to fabric construction and all its wonders; the endless yarns and materials that can be used and the finishings that can change a sample completely

Woollen honeycomb weave before and after hand washing

Throughout this project I have seen my work develop, thanks to guidance from helpful tutors and group brainstorming with my friends, from uncertain sketches to thorough harmonious samples. My research and development have played a huge part in this success; the 'Map the City' task I was assigned at the very beginning of the project has had immense influence over my work, giving me the inspiration that fuelled my colours, patterns and designs.

My best samples

These samples are, I believe to be, some of my best, I feel I have developed both of these well. I began with visual research, taking photos, and investigating different yarn qualities alongside weaving structures identifying pattern in particular. By researching these hand in hand I was easily able to find connections between research and practice during my Photoshop editing; I used Photoshop as a means to explore many ideas, ideas that have been selected due mainly to there pattern quality as colours can be enhanced or changed to suite my theme. When I am developing work I always think of the outcome I am trying to create, in weave especially when I was designing I was constantly thinking of the pattern that I could create on the loom and the textural qualities I could mimic.

Textures in both weave and knit

Upon entering this textile world I did not expect my work and practice to change as it has, my research and development, a key aspect of any project, has visibly improved as I am now quicker at making or creating connections to my chosen brief. Another aspect that this world has changed in me is naturally my understanding of fibres and fabrics, as I have mentioned previously I've gradually matured a keen focus for texture thorough the fibres I use.

Some of my drawings completed in the comfort of my own home

To assist this progression in construct, I have produced drawings in relation to my brief. Time management has been vital in completing samples, drawings and developing sample designs. I believe that I have used my studio time to the fullest and I am very satisfied with the samples I create, especially in weave. My independent study has been focused although I do wish I had produced more drawings that would have been interesting to evolve into weave.

Assortment of sample from both knit and weave

My next textile work will be print, in this area, I plan to use my time more effectively by producing more observations to develop patterns. I am excited to develop the skills I have acquired in construct, and look forwards exploring materials to print upon. Tutorials and samples experienced during construct have opened my mind to the many possibilities of textiles in practice.

1.1.8 Translating a Photo (Weave)

I found these weaving translations a joy to complete, assisted by my tutor I feel I have created exciting and innovative responses to my self-set brief of 'pattern in the city'. I have continued to look at the key elements identified during my Knit workshop; colour, texture and pattern.

My weave translations so far...

In the first sample, that is my favourite, I have used clear monofilament. My choice of yarn is due to my Photoshop development (centre bottom image), by upping the contrast and reducing the saturation the images conveys an unruly textured yet smooth pattern. I recommendation from my tutor to use varying yarn lead me to the monofilament that mirrored my developed image perfectly. My other weaving sample i have looked more at pattern than texture, although still present. The edited image I worked from is compiled of both photographs and draw images, chosen due to there connection to 8 shaft weave structures.

1.1.7 Photo Development

Photoshop has been a key tool in developing some of the photographs and drawings I've collected, using techniques such as layering and repeat have been particularly effective. These new techniques I have been experimenting with have given me ample amounts of inspiration to incorporate into to weaving, the only problem I'll have is to fit them all in.

 Photoshop's inspired by my first weaving samples

The first Photoshop's I made were taught to me by a friend, the technique layering is well suited to weaving due to its ability to mimic the, at times, contrasting warp and weft; this is due to the different colour combinations that can be found when over lapping certain coloured and textured images.

Experimenting with repeating patterns

Margo Selby fabric design

In my latest Photoshop I have experimented with minimising a textured drawing and repeating it. The outcome was very successful; two different patterns were created by merely reducing the size by around three hundred per cent, the larger of the two patterns displays more texture through the vivid white lines an aspect I am interested to investigate further. The flowing aspect of my patterns reminded me of the weave designer Margo Selby and her intricately brilliant jacquard loom designs. I believe that Photoshop will be an essential tool in my continuing weave development helping me to identify features and links such as the one above.

1.1.6 Discovering Pattern

My first samples for weave have introduced me into a world of pattern and colour, much more diverse than that of knit. With my first samples I have merely applied the technique that matched the treading on the loom and even though these were not developed for phones or drawings instantly an intricate busy patterns appeared. I have focused, in these samples, on my colour pallet and the new textures I discovered during the colour proportions activity.

My first weaving samples

After analysing my new work I am already able to make connections to photos I have taken and pattern that have inspired me during my 'Map the City', that was the foundation of this project. My next steps during weave will be to design my own combinations, I will do this on PhotoShop using photos with good colour and pattern focus.

1.1.5 Colour Proportions

One of the first tasks we were set for weave was to make a number of yarn wraps that would help us establish a good understanding of colour proportions. During the making of these yarn wraps I tried to considered the yarn I was using; its characteristics and application, weather I would chose to layer creating a rough texture or neatly align the yarn to create a smooth sample.

Some of my neatest yarn wraps

These yarn wraps were highly useful in the fact that they, there colour, proportions and texture, could be directly inserted to weaving samples, . This technique is very useful and I will use it throughout my time in weave to help me produce perfectly balanced and well developed samples. 

1.1.4 Artist Links (The Boyle Family)

After three weeks in construct I am moving onto weave. We began this second half with a tutorial subsequently our new tutor highlighted the Boyle Family to me, photographers, who like I, have focused on simple found textures and patterns from the ground.

Some of my Favourite Boyle Family pieces

After researching the Boyle Family I feel that the direction of my work has been altered. Originally I had been looking primarily at 'Pattern in Architecture' whereas now I desire to investigate 'Pattern in the City'; as with this brief I will be able to look at text found on roads, sings, and architecture alike opening a whole new world to my project.