Sampling

Here i have been sampling using the imagery from the the research i have gathered.

On each of these I've used wool as a base then different fabrics layered on top of each other such as, suede, satin, cotton and cord.

Here I've used sequins and french knots 

On this sample I have used machine stitch to add the extra detail and left a raw edge

Here i have layered different fabrics together then used the hand embellisher which holds the fabrics together and get that distressed look

I've used a tight zig-zag stitch for the outline,it was quite fiddly to go over some of the more intricate edges and the finish wasn't as good as i hoped, however i liked the look of a raw edge better  and think it fits in well with my vintage recycled theme

layering fabrics loosely, with a raw edge

Backgrounds...

Experimenting with different backgrounds using different weights, colour, patterned and textured fabric, that could be used for wall pieces.

Cut out spots with reverse applique 

lace over wool, needle bonded

Wool, cotton spotty fabric and lace needled bonded

Cut work

From looking at different doilies and lace patterns you can get really interesting patterns and intricate detail. 

By studying different doliles and lace pieces i have created my own pattern from them using similar shapes.

I have then taken these into fabric pieces like i would intend to when creating my wall pieces

 

i like the cut work onto this wool as its easy to cut out and it doesn't fray at the edges as many other fabrics would, i think the small cut out bits work well but i found when i pinned it up the larger cut out pieces don't hang right, i could resolve this by sewing around the cut out pieces or another way would be to needle bond a sheer fabric to the back to ensure it stays flat when hung up.

Bradford Textiles Society Compotition

  With entering the Bradford Textiles Society Competition (C2 combination of textiles processes for an interiors market)with these two boards 

    Ideas board ...

Main sample ...

i chose my best sample, i wanted to add extra detailed by adding more hand embroidery and beading and to make it to a sample blind piece, so i added a piece of white cotton organdy at the top to give it that look.

Artist Inspiration

Elaine Hughes

Elaine Hughes's uses different patterned and textured paper and  collages then stitches them together, she uses odd random pieces that work perfectly together. 

 I like that she uses different pieces of paper to create detailed art work, that from afar could look like fabric but when you look closer you realize its cut out paper.

Maria Thomas

Maria Thomas creates one off wall hangings made from hundreds of different bits, which include, scraps of fabrics, beer bottles tops, sweet wrappers, clothes tags, these are things that most of us would throw away but to her each bit is personal and has a meaning.

 I love this wall hanging i love how she has used all recycled bits that would be worthless to others but makes a beautiful piece if textiles from it. The recycled things she has selected and the colours really work well together and give that vintage shabby chic look and feel.  

Abigail Brown 

Abigail Brown creates cute, dainty creatures made from a wire frame and fabric that's stuffed to make these pretty little birds and butterflies. Different pieces of fabric are hand and machine sewn to make each one of the an individual and full of character.

Joetta Maue

All of the fabric she uses are handmade or vintage linens which have a strong connection with her designs, the and text she uses are word that relate to her every day life.

WGSN

WGSN

These are some wall pieces i have found on wgsn, the top one i like how they have used the lighting to hit the main area which draws you in and makes you focus in the detailed bits, on the next one i like the frame how they have made it looked old and distressed, the last one i like the shape of the frame,how they have used the plain black silhouette against an old off coloured newspaper.

Applique bird with intricate stitch work and beading

Shabby chic simple birdcage, printed

 Hand painted chair to give that worn look, with printed patchwork. 

NEC

On my visit to the NEC i noted down some useful companies that would be good to look at further, on their websites for inspiration and to see whats out there in the market at the moment.

 These include; sifcon international, walton & co, SR embriodary, PD Global , love lammas, house doctor, NKUKU, miss etoile, heaven sends, mathilde m , powel craft, disaster, Langs/LCDE designs, hill interiors and forever handmade cards.
From these i was only able to access a few as some didn't have websites and some were trade only suppliers, but from looking around the stands at the NEC i got a general feel of what vintage things where out at the minute.


Sifcon International ... 

Hill Interiors . . .

Both of these have that typical vintage 'shabby chic' look creating some thing with new materials and trying to make them look old. 

Although i love all things vintage and it is very popular in the current market i feel it has been over done and we are seeing the same old things therefore I would like to create interior pieces that have that vintage look but are a bit different to whats out at the minute.

I will use as much recycled fabrics and materials as i can. i like the idea of recycling, up-cycling and making something that could be one persons rubbish into a beautiful piece of art work that can be used for many more years to come, also i think that old fabrics are so much more interesting than new they already have life and character.