Evaluation

As I put together a portfolio (Alexander McQueen internship 2016), it has inspired me to have a new perspective on tying together my three projects.

Faces and Figures in Embroidery by Valerie Campbell- Harding is a work in which the research has helped me develop my knowledge of the methods of hand stich throughout history.  I now understand the differences between western and oriental needlework.

Figure 1: Pair of Chinese cuffs, undated

 

Figure 2: Pair of Chinese cuffs with ribbon trim, undated

 

At first my project (Bradford Textiles Society Design Brief) was related to the cruelty of foxhunting and the urbanisation if their habitats.

The second project Michael Kidner Textile Brief, I struggled to respond to his abstract work, however I was able to use his ideas of chaos to inspire me to create more of narrative and figurative responses that developed into chaos and the evil eye. This was able to blend the fox eyes and narrative into their interconnectivity with human’s eyes.

 

 

Figure 3: Sketchbook Drawing

Figure 4: Sketchbook Drawing

 

Figure 5: Sampling, series of emotions changes

The final project (Significance project: Gawthorpe brief) was inspired by undated Chinese cuffs. After working with fashion promotion students, I developed the work that transferred my stitch work onto garments.  I have developed a portrait style of work in garments that emphasises eyes.

I have specialised in hand stich work for the Alexander McQueen internship and therefore I used this opportunity to embellish each of these projects with additional and high quality hand stich techniques.

Figure 6: Sampling & Drawing, revisiting samples and adding more hand stitching.

 

For these experiences together have helped me realise that all of these works need to be completed to a professional standard.  Each sample needs to be a refined piece in its own right and each of these develops into a longer narrative to help me refine my craft.

Figure 7: Sample for Bradford Textiles Society Design Brief

Within the work I have focusses upon elements of the face and portraits.  I have heavily researched many techniques and feel confident in selecting the most appropriate stitch to each piece. I have developed my work to listen to opinions of a variety of clients, but I am always happy that I can keep my own unique style within my work.

 

 

Figure 8: Quilting (Significance project: Gawthorpe brief)

 

My work involving narrative, after thoughts of storytelling. For example, for the Significance project: Gawthorpe brief, I was planning to create a pair of cuffs, inspired by the two pair of Chinese cuffs items at the collection. However, I developed into stitching onto quilt. For the scale allows me to use my drawings to create a series of work onto one scale. 

I have ambition for a career involving embroidering, decorating garments/ designing for interiors. 

I enjoy combination of hand stitch and machine stitch, creating different textures in order to criticise my drawings, drawing with threads. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradford Textiles Society Design Brief

Figure 1: The fox is location-less.  The background of the fabric allows the viewer to create a narrative for the fox.  It also exposes the detail of the fox through the paint and stitch work used. The stitches used here reflect both the colours and light of the fox fur rather than representing the texture.

Figure 2: Photoshoot, Collaboration with a team of fashion promotion students

Bradford Textiles Society Design Brief

Figure 1: Embroidery on Denim Jacket

At first, I did find it changeling, for the jacket was already pre-coloured blue. My drawings and

work are always on white or ivory colour background so I have had to adapt my techniques.

I was planning on bleaching the jacket, but for the health and safety reason, the studio does not have bleach for me to lighten up the jacket. Therefore, I solved my problem by embellishing felt onto the jacket, that way it gives more textures in certain areas than having the whole jacket whitened and also allows for a contrast between the blue and the stitch detailing.

The effect gives a mystical and whimsical feeling.

Figure 2: Embroidery on Denim Jacket

I mainly took on this project in order to step out of my comfort zone and experimenting my work onto different forms.

Figure 3: Embroidery on Denim Jacket

I have added a natural background to the fox’s location through stitched vines and flowers. I have used couching to give depth to the stitch work. The background has made the vibrancy of the fox more subtle and this has been balanced out with added fabrics. I have added found fabrics to contrast against both the colour and texture of the jacket. The found fabric represents the urban city-scape which offsets the nature stitch work.

Figure 4: Embroidery on Denim Jacket

The buttons have been drawn attention to by a fox tail motif. I think worn denim adds more narrative and depth. This jacket is new and so I have tied in the detail of the back of the jacket with the front to break up the uniformity of the jacket. The small spaces here have been utilised by repeating a small but detailed stitch. I believe that it may be useful for the future to unpick the jacket sleeves to change the structure of the jacket, but I am conscious of not overworking the denim.