3.3 the last part in this module focused on needle weaving, which is pretty much exactly as it sounds, similar to strip weaving you following the same techniques of warp and weave but this time you use thread rather than material to create texture and pattern. The challenge was to create a six box grid making each area distinctive. It is a bit of … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 13
3.2 built on 3.1 combining strip weaving with hand stitch. Using the samples from 3.1 our challenge was to embellish these using the various techniques we’ve learnt so far – mixing in the needle, back stitch, running stitch, varying spacing, different threads, etc. I found it easier stitching on the plain fabric sample I had made, the patterned one was a challenge. I think part … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 12
I was a bit slower starting module 3. The new modules generally go live on a Sunday afternoon so usually I complete the first over the weekend but for this one I was still playing around with the couching technique and also realised I hadn’t looked through the student sample inspiration booklet that comes as part of each module so I thought I’d pace myself … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 10
The final part in the second module is something called couching or laid thread work. I recognised the visual effect from various textile artists work that I’ve seen in exhibitions. It’s a technique where you place threads, wool or other materials across the surface of the fabric then over stitch to hold in place and is used to create raised textural surfaces. It is quite … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 9
I was hoping 2:3 would continue on from the drawing with back stitch but instead we’re back to learning basic stitches – this time one called mock herringbone and we’re back to a grid challenge. The stitch is designed to look like a woven tweed fabric and is apparently perfect for creating areas of pattern and texture. Basically you stitch columns of slanted stitches then … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 8
So have started module 2 of the course which kicks off with a different stitch – backstitch. The introductory video and accompanying workbook outlines the plan for the session which is all about discovering: How to use back stitch to create a simple pattern How using back stitch is a great way of building texture And starting to look at using back stitch as a … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 6
The final module in section one of the course was designed to bring all of the previous learnings together so the creative challenge was to explore all the variable of running stitch – stitch length, spacing between stitches, spacing between rows, direction of stitch, texture of threads, tonal values of the colours, mixing in the needle and colour. I have to say I found … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 5
Having created 4 samples only using horizontal stitches it was great to see that module 1:3 starts to explore stitch direction. In this section you had to create a 9 box grid and unlike the previous challenges where the objective was to make each section distinctive in this one you were asked to create a grid where the sections work in harmony. Module 1 part … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 4
The second section in module one introduces the idea of mixing threads in the needle. I didn’t realise this so played with this a bit in my third sample in the previous post but the challenge in this section is that you’re asked to play around with tone (light and dark); complimentary colours (those that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel), texture and … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 3
So I watched the welcome video last night and following the instructions for the grid system marked out some samples ready for the practical challenge and then started module one which is all about the versatility of running stitch. Have to say I was a bit perplexed as to how they were going to get 4 different sub modules out of such a basic stitch … Continue reading Exploring Texture and Pattern Part 2
