One of the main aspects of my final piece dresses, was the patterned fabric I created to make them from, many of which are printed on using natural and lino-printing techniques. A big inspiration for my work even from GCSE, is William Morris, a pioneer of textile art, most well known for his pattern work, which can still be found in modern homes today. I have been inspired by his work because of the classical or vintage aesthetic, but also the subject matter of his work being mainly nature or small animals amongst intricate designs, which despite the use of fantastic colours still portrays the look of the wilderness.
Another artist I found influential when creating my patterned work was Claire Burchell, a textile artist. I found her work fascinating as the colour schemes are vibrant and in contrast to one another, making for a striking composition, as colour has always been an integral part of my creative process. I found this reminiscent of some of the work I had already completed in textiles earlier in the year, and wanted to try incorporate more of her style into my work this semester.
to avoid a lot of waste material I decided to research how I could use my scraps.
for my final piece I started brainstorming some ideas, and came to the decision to create a series of dresses\ garments inspired by my colour scheme and spring time.
Using natural dyes and shop bought bleach, I wanted to create my own fabrics as I thought it would give me more flexibility with my creations.
I created my own fabrics by printing patterns onto them with both natural printing tools I.E. apples, pears and lino printing which I carved designs into.
I started off by dressing a mannequin in my dresses and outfits, but soon decided that i would rather see them on a live body/person.
I started out with the idea of making a small patchwork bag and got to work making a pattern from card that I could create a circle with.
Au stitched each of the patches together and to a long strip so that I could form the bag by weaving a strap/ handle along the edges.
after this I added some details to the patchwork in paint to give it a more busy look.
to make the handle I took some strips of black con ton material and used a coil making technique with string.
matter watching the coil and basket making class, I decided that I would give it a go as I have been looking for a way to put my scraps of fabric from previous projects to use.
I decided to use a blanket stitch like effect with embroidery thread to attach the pieces of fabric together.
I then began to wrap the coil around itself and pin it into place.
I achieved the long straight look I wanted, as I hope to put a long glass vase inside and use it to hold flowers
I then began working more baskets with refined colour schemes.
To start my paper dress I wanted to look through my sketchbook for inspiration. I found a sketch that I thought would transfer well onto my dress.
I then started pinning some folded brown paper and some used paper I had painted.
I also started to make some flowers from the brown paper to add to the boddess of the dress.
I undid some of my pins and stapled the folds together, after this I began the same process for the back and added more of the paper flowers I had made.
I created a few sketches and ideas on what the bottom of the dress could look like, and was most fond of a puffy skirt.
So began laying and stapling some larger pieces of paper so that I could attach the flowers I had made from paper to make the skirt.
I finished the dress with the paper flowers, however i may continue with the skirt and make it a floor length dress.
to begin the 2 week challenge, I decided to start making small, doll outfits out of some of the material I had handy; as a practice for the larger piece I was going to try later.
The first dress I created was made from kitchen roll it was very easy to work with. As the material was white I was inspired to make a marylin monroe-esk silhouette and style, which I feel has came through in the outcome.
the second dress I made was created using a metallic like material, from burst helium balloons, I think it is very striking and a statement piece, with a slit leg and a small skirt underneath as well as a one off shoulder neck line. Furthermore I could see something like this being worn by the public in a contemporary setting.
I also had already made a small skirt from coffe stained fabric which I had printed on, so I created a small bandeau top to go along with it Hutu not take attention away from the maxi skirt.
my fourth piece is made from brown paper, this is my favourite so far. It Is a pleated skirt, with a statement boddess with layered strips to achieve a brassiere like effect. I could also seen this set being worn in a contemporary setting.
I collected some images from Pinterest that intrigued me
Previously, in lower 6th my final piece was a dress made from old movie posters so I wanted to take some inspiration from it aswell
I started creating some fashion sketches first by using paint and drawing onto the sketches, then creating outfits by painting and using paper, some that I had printed leaves etc. Onto. Finally I made a third set of sketches and created garments out of fabric and material, the metallic dress is created from old helium balloons.
I then started to make some simple outfits from folding paper.
after this I tried out folding material to see what shapes I could create.