Surface Pattern & Textiles

Recent S/S 11/12 pattern features on blog...

2011-06-23T11:38:00.000+01:00

http://blog.millielovesrosie.co.uk/

Take a look at Millie Loves Rosie's blog and website to see examples of my current collections.............

interpreting catwalk trends into designs for the highstreet

2011-05-05T18:32:00.002+01:00

Inspiration and colour palette from Cacherel, this placement print explores graphic strong floral drawings with hints of colour and texture

Hey ho Sailor

2011-05-05T17:41:00.000+01:00

I love the nautical theme thats hit the runway yet again for s/s season, but i wanted to explore it in a different way. Using patriotic colours I've created a pretty conversational print ideal for childrenswear.

Summer Shades

2011-05-05T17:32:00.000+01:00

Cutesy florals in ice cream colours.... perfect for Spring/Summer

'sorting out my buttons'

2011-05-04T17:00:00.000+01:00

I recently brought myself a very nice glass jar which i've filled nicely with an extensive collection of buttons and ribbons that I seem to have accumulated, this little pattern is just a few of my favourites....

New Website coming soon....

2011-05-04T13:34:00.001+01:00

I've been busy designing my website and working on some really cute younger girls conversational prints for S/S 12 recently. Using the sunny April weather to inspire me.

Hopefully in the next couple of weeks my website will be launched after a few more final tweaks!

Print Workshop

2011-04-27T18:36:00.000+01:00

Developing a collection of prints and placement patterns for the high street. This one encorporates similar elements to the previous design, but using a lighter colour pattern and using a striped edge.

Print Workshop

2011-04-27T17:47:00.000+01:00

I recently finished a print workshop where I spent time learning how to interpret catwalk designs into commercial prints that are suitable for the high street market. As a childrenswear designer I focused time on creating complicated ditsy florals and placement prints. I researched the market and then aimed to design a collection that would be suitable for retailers like Monsoon and Next.

Photography florals

2011-04-27T15:34:00.000+01:00

I got all inspired over the weekend when I took a walk around my Nan's garden. It was full of bright flowers interesting shapes and colours. So I decided to take some photographs with the initial idea of drawing from them. But all across the high street designers have started to encorporate digital photographic imagery into prints and patterns. In particular Stella Mc Cartney has some beautiful designs showing Tulips.
So here is my invention, shown in context. I'm a great fan of the Maxi Dress and this garment would give great scope to develop an over over floral or large scale floral placements.

Colour Mood Board

2011-03-21T20:47:00.000Z

Colour Research undertaken for recent freelance work, Exploring colours for childrenswear later phase stories (S/S12) Integrating Womanswear and Childrenswear palettes exploring primary brights and looking at the mix of colours that could be used.

Spring/Summer 11 Colour Palette

2011-03-21T20:41:00.000Z

Just putting together some colour research together- looking at Pantones and combination's of pastels mixed with brights. Integrating this with some printsource patterns and illustrations. Oh How I love colour

Stella McCartney Launches Kids Range

2011-03-21T17:56:00.001Z

Stella McCartney recently launched her new childrenswear range. Heres a little snippet of the Spring/Summer wardrobe! Its full of bright colours mixed in with subtle pastels.
Her work ranges from simple patterns and to sketchy placements, perfect for s/s.

Colour Envy

2011-03-21T16:45:00.000Z

I love the Trend Bible, there are so many beautiful colour palettes for Autumn/Winter and some really nice graphic forecasts for childrenswear!

Heres a little taster of some of the yummy things the Trend bible have posted this season....

Garment specs Baby/Toddler f/f 11

2011-01-28T12:30:00.000Z

garment specs for girls toddler range. An idea of how all over pattern can be inserted and translated into garment designs.

Love Vintage

2011-01-11T20:02:00.000Z

Taking inspiration from Autumn winter colour forecasts and vintage floral effects these prints have hints of bright colour against more subdued pastel shades.

Floral Boutique Scarf

2011-01-11T18:39:00.000Z

Floral Boutique

2011-01-11T18:00:00.000Z

'Hyperreal' and 'Rave' colour palette forecasted for Autumn 11/12
Playful, Young and Fun.
Deep and intense colours complimented perfectly by the introduction of soft pastel shades
Would suit simple dress shapes.

Girls AW 11/12

2011-01-11T16:13:00.000Z

Baby Girls 'Composition' palette
Using a cosy palette for Autumn 2011 I integrated a sketchy drawing style with floral elements.
The fun and quirky pattern is ideal for younger girls/baby girls.
painterly palettes and solid earthy tones really draw out the fruity colours

'Pretty Little Birdie' pattern

2010-11-24T20:15:00.000Z

Scandinavian Effects, Fall/Winter 10/11 colours. This print would be great on wrapping paper, stationery.

Inspiration taking from Stylesights print and graphics forecasts so design has strong fashion links

Fairisle Print

2010-11-09T18:40:00.000Z

I just adore Fairisle Knitwear! and It's everywhere this winter so in honour of this beautiful knitted trend I thought I'd try and re-create some of the bits that I like so much about fairisle knitting, whilst incorporating interesting colours, brush stroke textures and a little floral motif ( Just because I love florals)

'I love Make do and Mend'

2010-11-09T18:04:00.000Z

Playing with some of my line drawings, I added colour to create a cute placement print.

Ideal for a design unto stationery or a greetings card......

Moving into illustrators territory

2010-11-05T22:20:00.000Z

The first of my greeting cards collection. Using watercolour and pen to design a typically English setting. Taking inspiration from my daily surroundings and my love of an English Tea party these cards are for any Tea loving person. They are currently being sold in my shop as well as being sold on Etsy previously!

Playing more with pattern

2010-11-05T22:10:00.000Z

I love developing my patterns further changing the colour palette, introducing new shapes to manipulate and further an intital idea. This one is an extension of my previous design based on lace curtains. Taking the idea of pattern encapsulated in interesting shapes I have played with scale, colour and the idea of repeating a motif. I think this is quite interesting, and would look beautiful as a single placement print.
Designed for childrenswear, using bright colours and making pattern playful.

I just love making patterns

2010-11-05T21:59:00.000Z

After researching forecasted 'print and graphics' and colours at the design forum I couldnt wait but start designing with the new colours for F/W 110/11 This is a digital design for childrenswear, the pattern is quite quirky with a simple floral motif. Inspiration for this pattern actually came from vintage lace curtains in my family home. I think this pattern is quite nostalgic of childhood.

Something quirky and fun..

2010-11-05T21:47:00.000Z

These are an example of some of the things I've been making for the shop. Using 100% merino wool to create quirky little creatures with hand embroidered faces and mother of pearl eyes.
inside they are stuffed with filling and a small amount of lavender making them smell beautiful aswell as looking really cute!

Shop Floor..

2010-11-05T21:42:00.000Z

Here's a quick peak at our shop floor! we have an exciting array of vintage, screen and digitally printed fabrics! embroidery, tea cosies, soft furnishings and much more...

Eascefelda Opens..

2010-11-05T21:35:00.000Z

Eascefelda is now open, the aim is to showcase local and graduate designers.

We have a wide range of gifts and textiles for all ages! Recently appearing in the Local paper,

the shop has been a success so far!

"It's raining dogs...."

2010-10-05T18:46:00.000+01:00

Exploring Printed Graphics with an Illustrative nature. Conversational print with elements of humour. Soft, Refreshing colour scheme with simple hand drawn illustrations evoke naivety and playfulness.
I was looking at the rain outside this morning, thinking what a miserable day it was, whilst my border collie kept looking mornfully at me realising she was unlikely to get a walk...

Little Bees print

2010-10-05T17:15:00.000+01:00

Autumn/winter 2011/12 predicts placement prints and illustrations to hit the runway, conversational prints , kitsh motifs with a focus on nature. So here is something simple and fun. Quirky sketchy little bees. Ideal for Junior wear. Again keeping with a 50's retro inspired palette so it fits in nicely with the rest of my A/W 11 collection.

Graphic print cheque Autumn/Winter 2011

2010-10-05T16:44:00.000+01:00

Furthering on with this theme of scratchy retro prints, this design explores nature, looking towards a soft palette with fresh greens and neutral hues.
Again the print is quite playful, with a more quirky approach to the traditional cheque.

New Autumn/Winter 2011 Print Graphic

2010-10-05T16:03:00.003+01:00

Inspired by retro eccentricity, soft pastels give this graphic a vintage feel. over over repeat print with a 50's palette. Delicate spots contrast with the scratchy graphic in the background.

Playing at being stylist...

2010-09-28T18:25:00.000+01:00

Working with a photographer and co- stylist, doing some initial shots with a model.

I decided to bring along my collection for s/s 10 to see how they would photograph. Keeping accessories simple and fun to portray a quirky outfit for high street fashion....

I think this one is probably my favourite, Zoe the model is relaxed and having fun, the colours in the garments have come out, and they look really rich and bright!

Colour combinations for prints to come....

2010-09-24T13:35:00.000+01:00

Looking at proportion of colour and combinations of colour, taken from the trend forecasts. Exploring the theme of 'naivety' and 'composition' so I'm exploring muted 50's retro tones, which I love and then mixing them with vibrant hues reflecting a feminine delicate look with vivid colours coming through.

Design Forum

2010-09-24T13:22:00.000+01:00

I visited the design forum on wednesday, and I was completely in my element! I spent the day drooling over the Mudpie clik Colour forecasts and exploring Stylesight for "print and graphic" themes for f/w 11 and s/s 11.....

I came away thoroughly inspired and after looking at some beautiful illustrations and placement prints, I've begun design my f/w 11 collection, so keep looking.

Whilst I do this my website is being designed, using the colour inspiration I gained from the design forum I've decided to take some of the retro muted colours that are still coming through and adding some really bright colours that just look totally edable next to my pastals.......

"Bud Floral" Motif

2010-08-19T18:49:00.000+01:00

Carrying on with the colour forecasts for Autumn/Winter I've started a more playful collection of floral motifs, thinking more for Childrenswear. The print is quite simple with a more soft background merging through with motif. Hints of strong colour against subtle shades create a dynamic and dramatic pattern.

Noise Festival

2010-08-17T16:48:00.000+01:00

I've just joined an online festival, who saw me at my degree show. They aim to helps Artists and Designers gain exposure.. so I put together a portfolio of some of my favourite patterns and works over the last couple of months.... and hopefully I could get selected for a prize. So please vote for me......Fingers crossed hey!

http://www.noisefestival.com/AmySpreull

Wallpaper anyone?

2010-08-11T20:12:00.000+01:00

So carrying on with my illustration ideas, I started to mix colour combinations play more with placement and scale. Integrating a bolder palette to produce a dynamic digital repeat print.

Mosaic Colour Blocking Prints

2010-08-10T16:16:00.000+01:00

lustrous blends of bright and deep colours with hints of greyed out tones. This print would work well on a silk crepe surface, fine fabric would contrast against the intense engineered pattern.

Decorative strong colourings...

2010-08-10T15:12:00.000+01:00

Contrast of scale and pattern, bright colours against a more mineral background really makes the brick orange stand out. Furthering on from baroque patterns I've encorporated abstract elements and thin and thick textures.

'Natural Heritage' Colour Blocking

2010-08-10T13:51:00.000+01:00

More Autumn/winter ideas, Taking my colour palette from the A/W 10/11 forecasts I've come up with some earthy yet sophisticated tones and combined them with statement colours. Intense deep shades mixed with aged tones creates a fun but feminine design.
This season its all about strong colouring and engineered print styles. My main influence was 'Basso and Brooke' I drew from what was around me focusing on Baroque style furnitures and panelling to create a structured but embellished style pattern.

Menswear Motif's

2010-08-03T21:02:00.002+01:00

Playing with a simple motif idea, I looked at the Indie Theme, using a simple repeat to create a more 'loud' design for menswear. The other with a simple motif print on the front panel.

what's that you say... Menswear?

2010-08-03T20:55:00.002+01:00

So dabbling in Menswear, I approached this with an open-mind. (Being a girly girl and all, designing for Men would be a challenge-But I do love a challenge)
I started by exploring the market, having a younger brother helps! This season there is a lot of cheque material, cowboy shirts seem to be a must have, if not on your shirt they appear on your shorts. So I thought lets have them on your t-shirt too! Playing with my drawing and considering Car elements I started to play with block colours, taking my palette from the forecasts for autumn/winter 10/12.
The end result being a quirky and fun retro themed 'Tee' collection.

Autumn/Winter Florals

2010-08-03T20:47:00.002+01:00

Thinking about the context of my designs, Maxi's have hit the runway this summer, and they don't look like they will be stopping for autumn/winter. Hemlines are lower, fabric is layered, chiffons.. all very Bohemian and romantic. So I've considering this with the use of strong florals against a dusky background. The use of both small and large scale florals brings in elements of tradition and femininity.

Autumn/Winter Florals

2010-08-03T20:30:00.003+01:00

This season Florals are still hitting the catwalk and filtering through to the high street.. There are so many styles shapes and colours that trying to do something quirky and different could be difficult. Here i've opted for bright pigments, using a romantic repeat style. My pattern plays with deeper more mature colours whilst still being playful, which is what fashion is all about!

Autumn/Winter 2010/11

2010-08-03T12:42:00.001+01:00

Starting to think about new colours, new patterns and new ideas. After graduating I've continued my practice playing with drawing and creating new patterns. Looking around the catwalk this season, theres so much variety and so much colour, I'm so inspired by the deep autumnal colours being merged in with some exciting brights. From this I've started to look towards this romantic/bohemian trend thats coming through.. Large scale florals mixed with some 70's inspiration.....

All done!

2010-07-11T19:40:00.000+01:00

Just finished New Designers! which was an amazing experience. Talked to lots of people and made new friends. So what next...... Im starting to draw more, playing with some new brights and unusual tones that are very un- me to see what happens. Next week I start my first Placement at the AshleyWilde Group which I 'm very excited about! It's an interiors company which also designs furnishings, so I get to play with cad, hand work and design work.........

Degree Show up...

2010-06-24T14:51:00.000+01:00

So the show is now on it's second day and all the feedback has been really positive.... Pop on down to have a look at all of the work! Or have a look on
http:// makeittouchitseeit.tumblr.com
http://amyspreull.tumblr.com
As the Show continues New designers looms nearer and nearer, and I'm getting really excited! Maybe I'll see you there

Degree Show 2010

2010-06-23T00:38:00.000+01:00

I wanted to set a scene, create a narrative within my space. My work is a reflection on vintage ideals drawing inspiration from the Bloomsbury Group styles and drawing pattern from domestic life. From these aspects I have developed my designs to put together contrasting and mis-matching pattern which evoke a quirky British feel and show a variety of contexts, such as Fashion and interiors.

Business cards and Postcards

2010-06-21T20:48:00.000+01:00

I wanted to have a range of imagery on my cards to reiterate the playful nature of my work and emphasis this quirky eclectic range of pattern within my portfolio.

Display ideas...

2010-06-21T20:37:00.001+01:00

Playing with placement and ways I could hang my fabrics...

display ideas

2010-06-13T13:18:00.000+01:00

pattern on pattern; considering hanging or suspending garments. With lengths of my patterned fabric hanging in the background

Repeat motifs

2010-06-11T21:39:00.000+01:00

Working back into digital and screen printed fabrics, adding elements of hand stitch to highlight and create new pattern...

developing prints...

2010-06-11T21:31:00.000+01:00

reworking the same shape, playing with overlapping, using different directions and colourways to develop my ideas.

Collections

2010-06-11T21:20:00.000+01:00

Experimenting with colour and scale, I wanted to play with mis-matching pattern using different textures to create a diverse collection of samples and ideas

Floral repeats

2010-06-10T23:01:00.000+01:00

Experimenting with a simple repeat length. This design plays with colour and texture. I started by introducing a background pattern and over laid a floral motif. I like the idea of merging abstract pattern with a flora design. I also wanted to introduce more texture and have begun to hand stitch lines running throughout the pattern, the idea is to have the stitches graduating up the length.

Colourways...

2010-06-10T22:55:00.000+01:00

I love the simplicity of this print, the interlocking shapes are really effective and the pattern evokes a retro feel. I wanted experiment with colours first looking at a typically british colour way 'red and blue' and then playing with a more harmonious palette of 'blue and mustard' Im really pleased with the results.

Work in progress

2010-06-10T22:52:00.000+01:00

Thinking about what I might consider putting into the degree show. I want to be able to create a scene, and tell a story for the show, my work is a reflection on art movements of the Bloomsbury group and cubists. These print ideas reflect patterns and shapes taking from vintage packaging and objects.

placement prints

2010-06-10T21:55:00.000+01:00

layering contrasting prints together, whilst assessing my use of colour, composition and texture....

combination prints for fashion

2010-05-17T12:24:00.000+01:00

I've put together these fabrics as they will form my spring/summer collection. I am yet to decide on proportion of pattern, but the idea is to have geometric patterns with hints of contrasting or combining pattern coming through. This could be through the sleeves, pleats or even in the linning....

2010-04-24T23:40:00.000+01:00

introducing a bit of knit

2010-04-20T09:35:00.000+01:00

Conbining my prints with simple knitting pattern to add new textures and feel to my garment.

chequer style prints with shape

2010-04-20T09:31:00.000+01:00

I like these two prints together, the left is a hand printed screen using procien. Using shapes from vintage needlework packaging I made new pattern. I like that it can sit alongside a similar coloured design without fading away into the background

Combination Prints

2010-04-20T09:24:00.000+01:00

As i am looking to create garments with mis-matching pattern and abstract shapes against more floral designs I've considered using the digital printer to print some really simple small floral motifs against a simple stripe...

Photoshoot Context

2010-04-14T19:46:00.000+01:00

Developing my context, I dont want to limit myself to one context for my work, and from research into current artists such as Eley Kishimoto who is one of my idols, I've decided like them to explore and show how my work can both work for Fashion and Interiors

Thinking about presentation

2010-04-14T19:42:00.000+01:00

I love the way these prints sit alongside each other, the variation in shape and textural marks is an aspect i'd like to further develop. Producing a varied portfolio will essentially help me to appeal to the competitive market as i can portray a diverse style and skills.

Placement ideas

2010-04-14T19:34:00.000+01:00

Placing fabrics in a domestic environment, Layering my fabrics together placing colour and shape next to each other.

'Pattern against more pattern'

2010-04-08T18:08:00.000+01:00

Print with Embellishment

2010-04-01T21:54:00.000+01:00

A combination of applique and hand-stitch, adding texture and drama to fashion fabrics

A love of some retro shabbiness

2010-03-26T19:22:00.000Z

Tasty? I think so

Trunk of Treasures....

2010-03-23T18:49:00.000Z

Layering all my patterns together....
Striking and Dramatic? Brighter tones need to be brought into the collection, and in doing this I can see too much blue....

Just a little context....

2010-03-23T17:32:00.000Z

Just playing with my context, placement of fabrics together, contrasting colours and scale with a contrastinh colour palette and Dries Van Noten for Fashion inspiration..

Mark-making and Florals

2010-03-23T17:26:00.000Z

Furthering my use of colour, and adding brighter tones of colour lead to some simple floral and abstract painterly effect drawings.........

Striking and Dramatic?

2010-03-23T16:14:00.000Z

Combining the textures i've been creating with abstract shapes and motifs from my visual research.....
Using bolder colours and lighter shades against the darker shades hopefully creates a more dynamic print design.

I love old things.....

2010-03-23T16:07:00.000Z

So im always collecting vintage, old bits and bobs...But I have also been considering my degree show and how I'm going to present my work and create an atmosphere and inspire the public conveying the ideas and interests that have been the basis for my work.....

Ive been searching for a vintage mannequin for about 2 years, but due to demand i havent been able to find the right size and the right price, but I happened to be lucky with my bidding!! and the trunk I brought for £15 on a carboot sale! I fell in love with the colour and the stripes that run through the suitcase..... so now Im buzzing with composition ideas!

So far......

2010-03-23T16:00:00.000Z

So, half way through my final major project, and Im stepping back from everything i've done so far! Assessing what I have already achieved and how I can better my designs and ideas towards the final hurdle........ Something I think is evident from my work so far is Scale. It is important that I continue to develop this, as although I have larger scale objects amongst smaller motifs I havent created enough of a contrast... Colour, Ive continually assessed and experimented with my colours, yet criticism has been made that some are too dull and do not grab attention. I do however like the idea of 'washed out, vintage tones' but to make more contemporary I need to inject more brighter tones against those washed out tones

'Pattern on Pattern'

2010-03-20T20:32:00.000Z

Applying my idea of combining patterns layered together, This photograph explores my 'retro washed out tones' taken from the current View magazine, alongside this texture prints and bold shapes stand next to each other in a bid to create drama.

After a tutorial, I became aware of similar tones coming through, introducing a striking colour to the mix will lift me designs and give a more vibrant feel.

A selection of patterns

2010-03-07T19:47:00.000Z

Playing with pattern on pattern, Ive taken inspiration from the Bloomsbury group and explored this idea of cubism within textiles. This lead me to think about the introduction of florals within abstract patterns...

Abstract Shape, Stripes and Colour

2010-03-07T16:04:00.000Z

Exploring geometric shapes against some simple background prints that can be easily combined.
Using imagery related to the home, and taking shape and colour from these to produce new drawings and develop ideas...

2010-03-01T12:06:00.000Z

Enlarging shapes and exploring scale, adding in areas of background mark making and using a simple colour palette

Eley Kishimoto

2010-03-01T11:34:00.000Z

These two are probably some of my favourites, I am excited by her use of more abstract pattern and bold shapes, ideas that link in with my research into geometric shape and cubism. I started to explore my visual research and make shape and pattern, from this I started to realise I am drawn to the floral motif's and although I was primarily interested in cubism within textiles the introduction of florals against abstract shape works well and is evident within with the spring summer catwalk.

Eley Kishimoto

2010-03-01T11:22:00.000Z

Eley Kishimoto's Spring Summer 2010 catwalk collection is amazing, the colour, the pattern the garment shape is so exciting and eye catching. Her use of scale is really interesting, as she explores larger scale shape against smaler floral motifs. Each highly patterned fabric is contrasted with a more simple pattern or stripe which works well against the brightly patterned designs

'Studio Space'

2010-03-01T11:09:00.000Z

I like to map out the way I work using my wall to pin pattern designs next to each other, do they contrast well together? placing colour research and fabric samplings together to play with different textured and brush strokes......Using these ideas to inform new ones and further my research into the fashion market.
Im inspired my Dries Van Noten and Marni, both collections I looked at in Liberty's I looked at the garment styles and shapes the way they used background marks to add contrasted prints and their placement of pattern on pattern. I also really interested in Eley Kishimoto her work is exciting, playful and brightly coloured.

Visual Research

2010-03-01T11:03:00.000Z

Exploring Vintage material and Art Deco tea sets I started to think about mark making and how I could use this 'painterly effect' within my own patterns and fabric designs

Cubism in Textiles

2010-03-01T10:48:00.000Z

After finishing my dissertation I decided I wanted to explore further Art History, I started to discuss post-impressionism and colour theory within my text and this made me think about how artistic movements have influenced patterned fabrics within fashion and interiors. I am hugely inspired by the work of the Bloomsbury Group and the Omega Workshops and their cubist and abstract designs have been my main source of enquiry. Their work ultimately lead to some really interesting comments on Art and fashions of the modernist period, and although the work of these artists was during the 20th century much of their work still looks so modern and current.

I want to extend on the research I undertook in my first module, drawing from domestic life and the home, and looking at existing vintage patterns for colour. I intend on using materials associated with the home such as Linens and cottons, producing for a fashion collection for Spring/summer 10/11

Final Presentation of Samples

2010-03-01T10:39:00.000Z

Exploring simple shapes and textured backgrounds to complete a set of combining fabrics that would sit alongside a more patterned design.

Final Presentation of Samples

2010-03-01T10:35:00.000Z

Experimenting with colour and a simple composition this print is playful and would work well as a motif print for Fashion.

2009-12-04T17:39:00.000Z

Exploration of pattern, using hand stitch, cad embroidery and screen printing.

Prehaps a little too cluttered and busy for the Fashion Market, My aim is now to reflect on what I have done so far. In doing this I can select areas that work the best to simplify into a more sophisticated design

Sample Board

2009-12-04T17:15:00.000Z

Playing with the abstract and the objects, I created a collection of mixed media samples using printing, Cad embroidery and applique

Playful and Feminine

2009-11-27T12:10:00.000Z

Playing with my fashion design element, exploring the female shape, and garment styles of the 40's

2009-11-27T12:04:00.000Z

Printing with pigment and procien. This gives a rich more vibrant colour. I have added in different texture with the Cad embroidered shapes which I have appliqued unto the fabric.

Using a Vintage Linen I have also dyed with a Procien and Soda ash fixative, leaving in the due bath for a period of 10 minutes so that I achieved a softer more subtle blue grey tone.

Experimenting with Scale

2009-11-27T11:58:00.000Z

Playing with Pattern and scale by introducing abstract shapes whilst layering more detailed decoration over the top.

More Ideas....

2009-11-20T21:30:00.000Z

Continuing to play with my colour and composition, I have decided to be selective over which imagery I will use, choosing my colours and shapes wisely so that they compliment each other.

Oh Photoshop

2009-11-15T11:14:00.000Z

So this year I have been drawing and printing and stitching, and even using photoshop! As I am a mixed media student I have been playing and manipulating my photographs and drawings combining them together to form new patterns. I want to explore different textures within one design idea so it is important to use photoshop as this allows me to play with drawing, printing and photographic elements.
I am also interested in using the digital printer to bring this design ideas to life, from here I can further embellish adding deepth and texture.

Something else that I am finding exciting is using digital print to apply designs unto vintage cloth, so allowing modern abstract pattern to layer unto existing pattern.... Could be interesting, but first I have to treat all my 1940's fabrics so that they can go through the machine.

Playing with Contexts

2009-11-12T19:32:00.000Z

Im leaning to a fashion context for my work, as my inspiration is women in the war. I want to explore how fashion was playful even though their were restrictions on embellishments and a shortage of cloth.

I have started to take abstract objects from packaging, and using vintage domestic cloths, and vintage reminants I have explored colour and stitch, adding in areas of applique and detail along with print using procien dyes.

Details that amuse

2009-11-12T19:01:00.000Z

I've working hard on my colour palette, making sure that I chose wisely so that my theme of wartime domesticity and a sense of feminity was portrayed. After visiting Carrow House, I explored old journals and books that depicted the wartime fashions for all women, the way that the Fashion houses had to be restricted to how many stitches and buttons were used. I wanted to explore this using fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk, while exploring a richness in colour and attention to detail.

Here is a little idea of what I have been playing with......

'Dressing Should be simple, with beautiful styles that flatter, colours that charm and details that amuse"

2009-11-12T18:36:00.001Z

'Fashion in the 40's' by Julian Robinson

This quote was really interesting to me, it is everything that I have been exploring since I started this project. It explains perfectly the ideas surrounding wartime Britain and women's struggle to remain fashionable and iconic. It employs a sense of freedom that was found not only in fashion but in the way that women became respected for their contribution to the war whilst still remaining glamourous

Obsessed with colour

2009-11-08T22:10:00.000Z

Playing with my colour palette, Ive been dying pieces of cotton, linen, silk to match with my squares of colour........

Fabric, colour sampling

2009-11-03T21:02:00.000Z

Utilising my Space

2009-10-24T18:12:00.000+01:00

Ive been making use of the space I have at university, filling it with mood boards, drawings and samples so that I can see the development and evaluate the success of each idea as I go. I think this is really important because it shows how each of my ideas has evolved not only for me but for my audience aswell.

Make do and Mend in Vogue

2009-10-16T17:33:00.000+01:00

I got really excited when I brought my next issue of Vogue and opened it up to find Tim Walkers photoshoot that explores ideas around Making and Mending and using materials that we already have! Im all about the sustaining fashion at the moment and Tim Walker has made me think about bringing back those pre war ideas back whilst still being contemporary!