Embroidery | Week 2

This week I have continued to embroider the abstract patterns but have experimented with scale and materials. I’ve started to use parcel packaging and bubble wrap in my samples as they add a new texture and play with transparency. I'm still sticking with the idea of bold simple shapes and not over complicating my designs.
   

     

Here I have done reverse appliqué using layers of paper. The end result was not how imagined because the paper was temperamental and kept ripping. However i do like the spots of transparency when held up to the light, which I could push forwards using another material.

   

This sample I have embroidered by hand, inspired by a drawing I did at the Tate. Although I really like the qualities of hand stitch, it is very time consuming and not ideal to create a mass of samples. I am thinking of combining the geometric shapes within this sample to contrast against the abstract patterns. I will do this playing through appliqué and using the cording foot to create line density.

Embroidery | Week 1

During the first week, I have learnt basic skills and techniques used in embroidery, including machine bernina stitching, embellishing and hand embroidery. The task was to create 10 samples using a monotone palette. I used my visual research from the trip to London as a starting point. A lot of my imagery had bold, abstract shapes, which I have applied to my work. At the beginning, I found it quite difficult to create my samples, as I was making them for the sake of it, rather than thinking about the overall content and compositions.

 

After the Tuesday crit, I have come to realise that the above sample was most successful, and therefore would like to push forward. On this sample, I free machine embroidered an abstract pattern taken from a laser cut pillar (found in Anthropology). I think the simple lines work well with the denser spots of embroidery. I also really like the heaviness of the black wool, and would like to continue working with it.

I think I need to explore more techniques, and combine them in a way that gives them the best quality. This week I would like to experiment with layering my fabrics and using both appliqué and reverse appliqué. I also need to consider my fabric choices and try to push the boundaries of what can be embroidered into.

London Trip

To gain visual inspiration for the sampling unit, I visited a number of galleries and shops in London. This included Saatchi gallery, Tate Britain, Sommerset House, Barbican, Anthropology, Habitat, Designers Guild and Selfridges.

Add caption

Saatchi Gallery

Phillip King

Phillip King

My favourite place was the shop Anthropology, on the Kings road. Architecturally, the building was very beautiful and had interesting details, such as laser cut pillars. (reminding me of the decorative pillars in the Benzie building) The shop had many details and patterns, including a window display you could walk into.

   

Interactive window display

Stacks of bowls

Laser cut pillar

Many patterns