As the plain background elements in my sketchbook were
important to communicate in my knits, I found I really needed to concentrate on
finding the correct yarn before I start final sampling. I was using white 2/16
mercerised cotton in some of my samples which worked in one way as the yarn
type is fine and sheen, however then when I composed it with other yarns: grey
mohair, green/orange/blue cotton it caused the samples to feel a little flat. I
then tried with 2/17 Lambswool, which I felt made my samples more exciting as
it added texture.
As my theme within the unit is shape & movement, I
wanted to play on this idea more. I experimented with more unusual yarns. I
knitted with cotton Lycra on the fine domestic machine and introduced 2/16
mercerised cotton within the same sample. I took a risk here as I wasn’t sure
how they would work together, but when I steamed the sample the Lycra got
tighter, which demonstrated movement throughout the piece of work. To push this
technique I am going to introduce strips of Lycra into more of my samples. Similarly, I took another risk when sampling with mercirised cotton. I knitted a few strips of monafilament before a colour change in the sample. I wasnt sure about this at first but after tidying up the sample I loved the way it created a strong line of movement within the sample by pulling the cotton in tight.
In order to create the blocky elements in my final
samples I am going to be selective with my techniques, then develop them in different
ways: hooking up, ladders, elongated stitch and brushed mohair. Additionally, I
am going to have the same approach with my yarn choices. I will create some
samples that are thicker by using Marino wool and mohair, and then also create
a collection of more delicate pieces. These will be made by using yarns such as
lycra, 2/16 mercerised cotton. I hope to introduce brushed mohair into the
majority of my final samples to communicate movement & demonstrate an original
approach.
