UNIT X - EVALUATION

Throughout Unit X I aimed to develop a focused approach into establishing my practice in the creative textile industry. This has progressed my speacialism of embroidered textiles design into a more professional approach into industry. 
Creating a portfolio to display my embroidered samples not only helped me to understand the refinement and selection of my practice but how difficult it is to present yourself with a somewhat limited display, showing a full range of skills. 

Aiming towards a collection of fabrics fit for site specific, fashion and interior purpose under the influences of architectural structures from urban areas, graffiti and optical patterns, and using these influences to develop a better understanding of colour and pattern.  

In combination with these initial influences, using inspiration from Michael Kidner in the ‘Practice’ unit, “Space is in constant movement”. Providing an optical illusion is created into a tangible object (in this scenario, thread onto fabric) then space is in constant movement. 

Concluding the influence from Michael Kidner I have produced a set of canvases to be displayed at the ‘Flowers East Gallery’, in London, in celebration of his work (also to be displayed at the Degree Show). I came to the conclusion of canvases due to the versatility during diaply purposes. 

The canvases were also taken as influence from ‘Margo Selby’, her headboards, the colours, structures and optical qualities throughout her work. Translating this inspiration into my own practice allowing the Multihead, and Paff machine to help design fabrics with optical and woven qualities that are sensitive to drape, light and handle.

I have used the machines to create double-sided fabrics that exploited the interaction of front and spool side by flipping fabric in the frame throughout the stitching out process. Using layers of fabrics to build upon patterns reflective of my acetate overlays created pictoral depictions of light, movement and speed.

Burmi Lana threads onto Chiffon |

 Exploring with the stitches on the ethos software I have been able to produce samples that replicate woven textures, due to changing the stitch length and the pitch - this allows the density of the thread to mingle and sit comfortably into fabrics. 

Producing samples throughout this unit for portfolio based on inspiration gathered in the Practice unit was challenging to run alongside work for the Michael Kidner brief, as well as creating new collections of relief samples. The effect of the multihead breaking before deadline meant that my time management had to be adjusted and throughout this unit I have realised the problems for a designer in industry. 
I have produced an A2 paper and fabric portfolio that celebrates colour and the formal arrangements of pattern. Also I have created a website in conjunction with business cards to be taken to ‘New Designers’ to enhance professionalism and expand the potential of employment.