Combining texture & simplicity | Encasement

 Whilst working through my visual research I have been developing my sketchbook in order to inspire sampling ideas, I have been using inks and watercolour to paint fine delicate lines and areas of detail inside shape. I have been particularly drawn to circles and movement of lines in order to communicate a light structure and open areas. In my sketchbook I have only been focussing on these shapes as a singular element, but I need to move this forward in my sampling, combining a simple fine knitted area which then falls into heavier texture or shape.

In tutorials reflecting upon my sketchbook, I learnt that I use a combination of sophisticated colour when drawing, yet when I create samples I tend to keep colour minimal and only focus of shape as detail. I feel I have been refraining from adding extra colour when knitting is because I don’t want my samples to have the stripe of yarn/colour change. Instead I was encouraged to try alternative ways: threading colourful yarn through open structure, add texture at bottom, add feathers to create delicacy, and try felting/the embellisher to play with texture. 

Taking this feedback on board I have been sampling new idea. In this sample (above) I knitted with silk creating areas of open structure through lace holes, then inlayed at the bottom of the sample adding heavy fluffy texture. After I finished the sample I felt it needed more colour, so I threaded through orange silk yarn. I feel this detail is simple yet adds a sense of delicacy.

Developing my designs in a fashion context, I have been attending Julie’s fashion workshops in order to develop my understanding. As I have been starting to think about garment ideas, I would like to create a chunky silhouette using the Springtuft yarn, as a waistcoat of some sort, and then a finely knitted vest with small detail in order to communicate the extreme level of weights I have been communicating when sampling.  I have been researching current designers/silhouettes that work in a similar style.

Left, Celine 2015 – what I like about this dress is the simplicity of colour and shape, communicating femininity. The extreme texture at the bottom gives enough detail to the dress and adds a bold statement to the garment. I feel this style of silhouette relates to my concept as it communicates how one thing can be combined with different elements.

Right, Hayley Grundmann CSM 2015 – this garment is full of trapped shape, and the ivory in the dark grey makes the jacket really interesting. I am intrigued by the materials used in this design.