Page 7 - 3rd design in paper

For this design I wanted to create the illusion of layers, light, shadow and hidden areas, just as you would find looking at a large piece of rock. I also wanted to incorporate some of the 3d elements I learnt on the Summer School. I decided to create more flowing lines with the layers with openings revealing embellished and textured fabric underneath. While working on the design I ran out of the mid and dark tone textured papers (it was also very difficult to manipulate) and therefore you will see in place of this I have used painted papers in the same tones.

The first image is pictured from the centre of the design looking across to one of the edges. I would envisage at the edge that the top layer would be cut slightly bigger so that when it is attached curves and gaps show the underneath fabric (which in this case would be dark blue)would be created. With the textured paper being very stiff I found it very difficult to manipulate. I would envisage there being bigger gaps and curve using the fabric so the underneath fabric can be seen than what I have been able to achieve with the paper.

This second image shows the above corner pictured the other way. The centre dark panel would be cut out bigger so when joined I could create curves and gaps to see the underneath mid blue fabric. You can also see a gap at the side which I thought would create added interest and dimension so the dark blue fabric could be seen from either side.

The third image is showing a closer image of the central section. The light blue fabric would be cut larger so that curves and gaps can be created. I would also envisage it being left open at one side and then higher up the piece left open at the opposite side to create an undulating slightly twisted effect. The light blue fabric would be positioned slightly higher than the other fabrics (due to the one underneath having gaps and curves).

Image four looks top down. While I am looking at creating lots of curves and texture I am considering keeping it to a fairly squarish overall shape. It feels like something which could be used as a cover for a box, fancy book cover or a piece for a wall. I am thinking about things which may dangle or come off the sides eg tassles or fancy sea-weedy bits.



Having considered the designs this is the one I am thinking of working with, using different tones of stitchery (perhaps herringbone) to blend the layers.

Page 6 - fabric samples based on darkest tone of paper

Image 1 - 15 cm x 20 cm

Twin needle stitching - some corded - then tucked in different directions using hand stitches and beads.

I feel this looks very effective but in terms of placing this alongside the other pieces I feel this sample looks better on its own.

Image 2 - 7.5 cm x 13 cm

Placed chiffon over lighter coloured hand dyed linen - cable stitched - tucked and slashed.

I like this piece as overall it is a darker tone but with light and mid tones.

Image 3 - 6 cm x 16 cm

Tucked in different directions

Image 4 - 9.5 cm x 15.5 cm

Layered fabric over dyed muslim and painted cotton -

cable stitched- tucked - machine stitched

I also like this piece as it is a dark tone but includes light and mid tones with the machine stitching

I am considering using either samples 2 or 4 for the resolved piece of work.

Page 5 - fabric samples based on mid tone scrumpled paper

Image 1 - 10 cm x 14 cm

Hand-dyed linen - Cable stitched - random tucks - machine stitching

Image 2 - 7 cm x 9 cm

Hand-dyed cotton - cable stitched - then placed shirring elastic in bottom spool

Image 3 - 8 cm x 13 cm


Hand-dyed cotton velvet - tucked using paper clips and hand stitching




Image 4 - 9.5 cm x 12.5 cm

Hand-dyed linen - chiffon placed over top - cable stitched - random tucks and cuts

I am considering using either samples 1 or 4 for the resolved sample. I like the way they look mid-tone but incorporate light and dark tones.

Page 4 - further fabric samples based in lighter coloured paper

Image 1 - 8 cm x 8 cm

Layers tucked and slashed - zig-zag cable

Image 2 - 9 cm x 10 cm

Organza and polyester -twin needle - s0me with cord - machine zig-zagged

Image 3 - 10 cm x 9 cm

Using hand dyed silk dupion

- twin needle - cable - pulled out threads -tucked at sides
I particularly like this. Unfortunately I don't think the picture shows this to the best effect but in between the layers is a twinkly effect cord which looks stunning. I am considering using this (or possibly image 4 on page 3) for the resolved piece of work.

Page 3 - Fabric samples based on lighter coloured paper

Image 1 - 13 cm x 14 cm

Polyester tucked and slashed to reveal darker underneath fabric - cable stitched - burnt edges of organza using candle - cable stitched in place

Image 2 - 12.5 cm x 12 cm

Hand dyed nappy liner

Twin needle - burnt edges of polyester - placed over wadding - handstitched in place which created further texture

Image 3 - 12 cm x 11.5 cm

Hand dyed polyester

Twin needle - stitched in wire






Image 4 - 8 cm x 5.5 cm

Polyester

Twin and cable stitched - then pinched with hand stitches at sides to create texture. I like this sample and it is on my shortlist of ones to use for the resolved piece of work.

Page 2 - Second 3d design based on rock

Thinking about the use of layers as used at the Summer school - the second design pulls out the colours from the paper sample in to 3 layers - which are balanced left and right ie 3 layers high and the same number of layers in the centre. I wanted to create shadow, with the ability to see the different textures underneath. I used sticky squares (as used in decoupage) to create height/the stilts and painted them. I would envisage that the piece could be hung or due to its depth could also stand up on its side.

I like this design and the concept of it looking different from various viewing angles. I think the stilts would need to be higher when made in fabric to fully display the textures. I would envisage each colour being a separate piece with the stilts being made out of coloured/embroidered vilene.

Having reflected further on this design I would like to see some fabric colours merging in to another with the use of stitches. I am therefore intending on making a further 3d design where some of the layers may be incorporated together and others stand out eg I am thinking of merging some of the dark and mid tones and keeping the lighter tone separate.

Image 1 - showing a slight sideways view of design

Image 2 - showing the outer edge (before the stilts were painted)

Image 3 - top down picture showing the use of the different layers

Image 4 - picture from other end of design

Image 5 - of flat paper design

Page 1 - 3d paper design from rock

Picture of rock on which design is based

Sketch of rock - while drawing felt like there were 4 distinct shapes

Using the 4 shapes - manipulated coloured tracing paper based on the flat design in to the shape of the rock. Please note using tracing paper which was easier to manipulate meant that the colours were much paler.

I was thinking that each of the 4 shapes would be manipulated using a wire sheet underneath. While making the fabric samples which follow I felt the texture in the samples was lost with further manipulation and the wire underneath - I also lost some of the fluidity of the fabric and pieces would have had to be pieced/stitched together rather than flowing in to each other/overlapping with stitchery . While I like this design I felt it would be better suited to other techniques eg where I could incorporate harder textures which are painted on.