Module 3, chapter 9: initial thoughts for resolved sample

Before I start creating ideas in paper towards my sample, I thought it would be good to look back at some of my previous work to see if I could identify any possibilities for composition. I have created the following ideas which are cropped areas of other work. At this stage the colours, techniques and textures are irrelevant, I just wanted to see how I could use/place a spiral onto my sample. Pictures 9-12 are from samples of varying descriptions. The ideas that stand out the most for me and that I feel I will expand through to my paper compositions are 5, 7, 9, and 11. This is mainly because they are all very different to each other but have potential to have more interest added with layers and stitchery.



3/9/1a

Module 3, chapter 8: bead sampler

This was the most time consuming sample to date- it took considerably longer to create than I predicted, something to take into consideration when using beads in the future. I also found it challenging to work with the tiny beads. I ended up buying some specialist beading needles. These however came with their own challenges as they were impossible to thread without a needle threading tool, but these kept breaking on me to the point I only used a fraction of the small seed and bugle beads I had intended on putting on there!

I did not have a plan when starting this sample, other than to try and create a spiral on top of a tie-dyed piece of fabric as I went along. Interestingly the end result resembles a shell design. I aimed to have contrasts at each point, either through size or colour or texture/appearance. I also tried different patterns and spacings along the way. If I had more time (and to be honest more patience!) I would have experimented more with different combinations, such as having a sequin sewn under a seed bead. I would have also tried edging effects as suggested in the chapter notes.

Note that I tried stitching on other components too, such as buttons, sequin waste, painted screws and mini 'gems'.



3/8/1: Bead sampler

3/8/2: Bead sampler- close up of centre



3/8/3: Bead sampler- close up



3/8/4: Bead sampler- close up



3/8/5: Bead sampler- close up



3/8/6: Bead sampler- close up



3/8/7: Bead sampler- close up



3/8/8: Bead sampler- close up.
The main beads used here are glow in the dark! I have been unable to get a decent photo of them glowing however. I deliberately sewed them on in a way that there are two spirals formed, one with beads on their side, the other with the beads on their back.

Module 3, Chapter 7: Simple button making

The most surprising thing about this chapter was that the buttons although they look really simple actually were more complex and time consuming to make than I expected! As a result I was unable to produce as many as I hoped to as I have been really time poor in recent times.

I decided to mount them onto a dark blue background as this to me showed off their colours and shapes to the best effect. I have included some close up views on some of the buttons.

I particularly enjoyed creating the more experimental ones- fusing fibres in mini cellophane parcels.




3/7/1: buttons
 



3/7/2: Woven button (would have been more successful if I had considered how to fasten off the edges!)

3/7/3: Fabric, thread and beads wrapped button



3/7/4: Wool tops wrapped button

Note that above it is a random disc button created by painting a component cut from another item. I thought it looked 'button like' so included it alongside my samples.



3/7/5: yarn wrapped button

3/7/6: Fused cellophane button

Module 3, Chapter 6: Simple tassels



3/6/1: simple tassels



3/6/2: experimental tassels

The following images show the tassels I created for this chapter. I made the point of experimenting with a wide variety of threads and yarns especially through thickness and texture.

Personally I found the finer and smoother/shinier the yarn the more I liked the tassel. I also enjoyed securing tassels with stitchery on my machine as this added a wonderful extra embellishment to the overall effect.

The first picture shows my more basic tassel samples. For the middle row I deliberately chose contrasting yarns for effect.

The second picture shows my more experimental tassel samples. I tried using different textures such as fabric strips or wool tops. Most of these have been secured with machine stitching.

The photos that follow are close ups of a selection of the tassels showcased in the first two photos.




3/6/3: Fine thread tassels

3/6/4: Tassels with stitchery



3/6/5: tassels with contrasting textures