C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : March 2015 & July 2019

March 2015 Prima Pattern on the left has culottes and loose boxy top, in a long enough to almost hit the hips. The top has 3 option, including a lace trim. I have noted on the pattern I would lengthen this pattern, this in is relation to the culottes as I don't like most trousers hitting me mid leg. The length -with shop brought clothes- are often too long and hit the wrong part of my ankle/leg. I'd have this hit mid ankle or shorten to hit a little higher on me. This pattern will be comfy but likely need to be adjusted for most people. Shortening the top for a more purposeful boxy top or even a loose crop top. 

While on the right, I have July 2019 Prima Pattern with a loose top with a few options on length, hem shaped and front detail. A very comfy style again and loose fitting - the type you could wear all summer or as a cover up. With this style you could also length the sleeves by another 3/4cm and roll hem as decoration.

For me - I lean towards the March 2015 pattern - both for the top and culottes. I like a boxy top - but either men's or shorter - hitting the waist not the hips. The suggestion of the lace details are very appealing. As is playing with a fit of the culottes, extending the hem a little I can easier shorten them as needed.

I like a loose trouser with pleats in the waistband, giving plentily of space for hips and movement. I could see making a set with cotton/polyester culottes and a top of printed or textured viscose. Contrasting colours and print could be a lot of fun. 

The left pattern 5827 appears to be very simple with the option for contrasting fabrics and high keyhole opening.

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C . W : Patterns

G . O : Cushion Making

Getting On :

Cushion Making : 

Simple cushions but a gift since I brought the fabric with them in mind. I wanted them to look smart and I'm so glad that the binding added to the cushion, rather than aging them badly. I used a black poly cotton to give a smart look to the back. as well. 

I feel I made the cases a little too big and thus loose on the cushion. These however are for a bed and this might be more of a advantage. For a simple project it took me while to get to.

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G . O : Cushion Making

G . O : Project

Getting On :

Project : Box Recycling

I have had an idea to do hampers for people before the lock down, and recycling some boxes I have for a nice presentation. Since lock down - I want and would need to be able to send them through the post. So I figured decorate some boxes - using up my old paints to make some more space, and treat a few more people to something nice. I've actually moved on from my first two boxes, started making some gifts for people and came back to do another one in a completely different style. I won't say who they are for, or what inspired me in case any friends follow any links to this blog. No matter how unlikely.

I went for having fun and using mostly what paints I have mixed up and in my collection (I haven't topped up my paints in a long time). I used acrylic paints and posca pens. I will also add these took several coats of white and are semi delicate - they will peel if I'm not careful. Also to post these to my recipients I will also wrap these, making them a very colourful surprise. Each box was made with a person in mind, so I hope it'll be a good surprise.

I was a lot more playful with the first two, and left them a little messy on purpose. The second box I have photographed half finished as the next details will reveal who its for. I could have left the box as it was - I was happy with how it came out, even with the antlers looking a little chunky in places.

I had a lot of fun recycling these boxes and filling my time, the idea of someone receiving the box is a lot of fun as well. While it took a good part of 3 days work, I will state I do not expect anyone to keep these boxes. Acrylic paint can peel and stick to other items, especially when not sealed.

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G . O : Project

G . O: Jacquards

Getting On : 

Jacquards 

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G . O: Jacquards

C.W : Project Converse

Well some of my old shoes are getting a make over for a Changing Wardrobes post. I'm quite excited. I decided on a different theme on each shoe but working the colours and on shoes continuously hopping between them. I want the designs to flow on each shoe, they don't need  to match or work amazing together this is just more practice for me. But if they look a littler coherent, it would be nice. 

First they need the laces removing, to be cleaned and wiped down. The soles have holes, so I don't wear them as often anymore. So if this little project turns bad I'm gonna be fine with it. As for the these I have gone with I'll keep them a surprise for now.  I am going to start on the tongue of the shoe - best space for practice to me, and it seems like a nice place to start while I have ideas in my head. then the outside of the shoe, before curving round the back and onto the inside.

I'd like to design the whole shoe at a time. But despite me doodling ideas and maybe showing off some possible ideas. I'm going to plan only a few designs ahead. This should keep the design flowing and only space as its left rather than squishing all the designs into one area. Which I think would ruin the whole idea.

As for materials, you maybe have guessed it - I'm embroidering it again, not painting or drawing on these shoes. For a few reasons; 1. They are black, so harder to draw or paint on, but not impossible, 2. I need the practice, 3. It's a bit of fun, and its something I'd prefer. I painted and made up a pair in university to show off me as a person. I used paint, pens, glue and applique, all sorts. I want to see how I've developed my skills and learn something here.

So I know this isn't the most exciting piece at the moment but I'm looking forward to sharing doodles, designs and updates as I get on, with you all. And the final pieces.

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C.W : Project Converse

Pattern

Another Simplicity pattern

A simple dress with some variations, with a short bodice of an A-line dress and a long skirt. With variations on neckline, collar and sleeves. It's 6-16 so I've got so much room to play with the design, if I want to stray from the elegant dress.

Though a high a-line/empire line is not always the most flattering on me, a simple dress like this is a basic and having a long dress in my collection would be helpful, especially in this skirt shape. A V-neck often does flatter me, however, and having the sensible options for a collar and/or sleeves is nice to have.


I'm interested in what fabrics I'll use for a dress like this. Though I don't see myself using a patterned fabric - like a mad floral or anything too abstract or mad with colours. I might surprise myself though.

I think I'll use a bound edge like the one below A (option D), without sleeves. Though I might try to add a slit, after my first attempt. I'll definitely have some fun with this dress pattern.

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Pattern

G.O: One summers floral work

I've mentioned this floral theme, for a summer project, two years ago. This is mostly the resulting work - the imagery developed differently for the different sections of work to suit the textiles. This also revolved around developing digital work in each area, using the industry machines and software available to create the work - from  Print, Knit, and Weave. Print was the first section, followed by knit then weave. This allowed me to develop the imagery very quickly. Using my sketches to make rough sketchy prints and another set with line drawings to being in colour and detail in different measures - Allowing for clearer detail. Though we also had to create manual/hand processed work for each section too - on domestic knit machines, printing, 

Though its difficult to pick up detail in some machine knitted work I choose to continue with sketchy work  like the flowers below with ink drippings and painterly textures flattened into 3 colours - the back ground, the flowers and the detail. Designs like this and similar to the one below would need to be cleaned up make any imagery clearer. This could be done through varying the stitches rather than colour with the machine we used. We did use manual technique alongside our digital work to make a varied collection of designs and textiles.

As print meant using more software and layers to my work than before - I played with layering my textures and designs. My designs consisted of digitally drawing and designed imagery, as well as cleaned up sketches and scans. I also scanned different textures I created with different mediums - from pastels, acrylics, inks, watercolours, etc.

I layered different effects as well, with layers that played with hue, opacity, saturation, contrast and other effects. The colorful pieces like those in the center and to the right, below make great prints and are simple to recreate when printed digitally on silk - I choose bamboo silk. 

Whilst, the line work I created for prints lent itself nicely to inspire digitally design woven pieces, like the design to the left, below. print allowed me to explore different flowers and styles quickly. I wanted a more following collection of designs for my weaves

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This project was from before the summer I had the flower project - My 1st year of 

textiles (2nd  year at university). This was all hand processed prints - a theme was

  different and didn't cross over for each section and textiles area - knit, print and weave.

Screen and stencil printing. With an urban theme. The focus was on structure 

from the architectural photographs for the screen printing, and was expanded 

on with the stencils of people - which were each cut out by hand. These 

stencils added more simple detail, block colour and something relate-able.

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G.O: One summers floral work