Textile Samples

As I mentioned in my week 7 blog post of my FMP I created 5 textile samples with recycled fabrics and materials I already had at home.

Sample 1 

For sample 1 I wove together parcel string and wool. In my earlier development I created a CAD pattern that after further inspection reminded me of a weave of green and an off brown. This off brown resembled parcel string, therefore I decided to take this further and create my own physical weave. I chose to use the pink wool as it is similar in size to the string so I knew would create a symmetrical weave. As this was my first time weaving I wanted to see if I could create a satisfactory sample first before attempting something more difficult. This sample even though small too me a long time to create due to the tightness of the intertwined layers. I wanted the weave to be tight as I think if I was to move forward and use this sample in my final garment it would be a lot easier to manipulate and sew into the garment. I like the outcome of the sample and have had ideas of making the whole garment out of this technique. I do think this would give a really great outcome, however when considering my customer I realised that it might be too much going on so it might be better to incorporate this kind of weave into a pocket of another component.

Sample 2

Sample 2 is a finger knitted ring. I used the pink yarn again as I had never done with before and wanted to get the technique right before experimenting with other materials. This was the most enjoyable process for me as all you needed was yarn and your fingers and the outcome is a knitted ring. Once I created the sample I attempted using other materials, but the fabrics I had were too stiff and not long enough to continue the chain. I could this technique for making cuffs for sleeves and/or trouser legs or add it at the end of general hems.

Sample 3

This sample is made using a macrame technique with two strips of fabric. Macrame is traditionally weaved with think rope. I attempted using parcel string but the string was too thin and did not evidence the right visual knots and ties. So next I tried using a grey stretchy fabric cut off one of the recycled garments. I liked the effect this had but like Sample 2 it just created a long strip of macrame instead of a big piece of textile. This again I could use as a cuff or to sew to the edge of them hem. If I was to experiment more with this sample I would use wider strips of fabric to see if it resulted in a thicker line.

Sample 4

This is another macrame sample, this time using 3 srips and a slightly different method. This created a wider sample but shorter, although I think that was the lack of length in the strips. I could use this sample to create a sleeve or a hood and only use one colour. I think the use of different colours would be too much for the final garment especially if the garment itself is made up of varying deconstructed elements.

Sample 5

Sample 5 is gathering sewn into a continuous ‘s’ shape. I like this sample the most as its simple but also small and detailed. The symmetry of each gather works well and I like the flexibility of the sample and I am thinking of possibly including it as an elbow or knee cover on the garment. This sample can also be used for cuffing hems like the macrame and finger knitting.