Hello,
This week's blog post is all about the second
semester of my second year at university. This semester was split up into 2
sections, the first was about entering textiles competitions and the second was
where we had to set our own brief. So since the university decided to split
this semester up I thought I would do the same for my blog, since I already
write too much. Meaning that this week's blog is about the competitions I
entered and next week will be about the brief I had to set myself.
Christmas Project:
Over the Christmas holiday’s we were set a
brief called 'decade of designs'. For this we had to explore a decade by researching
there: architecture, product design, graphic design and packaging. We then had
to do some drawings based on these 4 areas; after each was explored we then had
to whittle it down to just one topic and one decade. Obviously I chose the 1960’s
(if you've read my other blog posts, you probably would have guessed this). Since
I am not the best drawer, I decided to go with architecture, as I liked all the
simple geometric shapes. I also liked that I was able to draw more precisely
with a ruler, you might say its cheating but measurements are very important in architecture.
1960's architecture (images from Google).
1960's product design (images from Google).
1960's graphic design (images from Google).
1960's packaging (images from Google).
Charcoal drawing of 1960's architecture.
Charcoal drawing of 1960's architecture.
Paper weaving of 1960's architecture.
After choosing 1960's architecture as my theme i looked for more inspiration in books, which i then started to draw.
Colour pallet.
1960's architecture paper.
1960's architecture pencil.
1960's architecture paper.
Choosing My Specialised Subject:
As well as the Christmas project, over Christmas we also had to think about which of the three textiles areas we would like to specialise in print, knit or weave. Now if you follow me on Instagram you probably have guessed that I picked knit. However weave was actually my first choice. When we received our feedback from the first semester, we got to have our say on what we wanted to specialise in. At the time weave was my favourite with knit a close second. So I was shocked when they advised me to do knit, but I was also reviled that they didn't say print. I think I might have cried if they said print after last semester (check out last weeks blog if you don't understand why). Although I was slightly upset since I had my heart set on weave I was also kind of excited to learn more, also being in knit meant that I would also be with two of my best friends. Since they were experts and know what they are taking about I decided to go with them and chose knit for my specialism.
Dubied:
Having chosen knit for my specialised
subject, brought the introduction of the Dubied knitting machine. The start of
the semester was mainly about learning how to set up and use the Dubied as well
as learning basic techniques such as: ripple stitch, half cardigan, full
cardigan, mock rib, and zig-zag, pile stitch, 1x1 rib and release stitch. From
the first day I fell in love with this machine, to me it was like the Shima
(due to the colour carriers) but I was in control. I particularly liked that by
knitting a sample that was doubled bed meant that it was a lot more ridged and
stayed flatter without rolling like single bed, and on the domestic knitting
machine, it made it a lot easier to steam.
Testing out the Dubied (7 gauge).
The techniques we learnt had to go into our technical files which explain how they were done. This is ripple stitch and full cardigan.
Technical file sheets for zigzag and mock rib.
David Nieper:
For this semester we were given two competitions that we had to enter. The first was set by local business David Nieper. Our brief was to create four fabric samples that also showed the end use on models. We had to have research to back up our designs and it also had to resemble our theme (mine was 1960's architecture) and be wearable for women aged 50 plus. Both fashion and textiles students (second year only) had to enter this competition, as there would be five finalists from each. These would then have an interview with some David Nieper representatives, which would then pick their top 3. Below you can see my entries.
Letter from David Nieper, which you receive when you order a catalogue.
David Nieper catalogues.
Images from David Nieper's collection at the time.
Inspirational women who are 45 plus years old.
Initial yarn colour pallet.
Sample idea on the domestic knitting machine, however it would be too risque as an all over top for an older women.
Shima sample idea, however again the holes might be too revealing for the age range, but it does resemble my theme of architecture.
Sample ideas.
Sample ideas.
Sample ideas.
Knitting release stitch in sections on the Dubied.
Release stitch.
Release stitch on the Dubied.
Release stitch off the Dubied.
Release stitch stripes.
I like the effect of the release stitch stripes rolled up, I think it would make great sleeves.
Mock rib with stripes.
Selection of final samples.
Test of end uses on Photoshop.
Test of end uses on Photoshop.
David Nieper entry 1 (release stitch stripes).
David Nieper entry 2 (release stitch sections/blocks).
David Nieper entry 3 (mock rib with stripes).
David Nieper entry 4 (fading thickness of stripes).
Bradford Textile Society:
The next competition that we had to enter was the Bradford Textiles Society. For this we had to create a sample that represents our theme. In which we had to have a main sample with a supporting sample/s as well as technical info about the sample, a title and evidence of the theme via photos and drawings. My entry was a release stitch knitted athletic drawstring styled skirt. This can be seen below.
Release stitch with stripes. Un-steamed creates this 3D bubble effect.
Same sample as above but streamed creates this wavy effect.
Release stitch stripes on the Dubied.
Same sample as above but not on the Dubied.
Skirt style, with drawstring tie.
Final board entry.
Summary:
Although it was not my first choice I really enjoyed this first part of knit, I loved being introduced to the Dubied, as it made me forget about weave. I was too in love with using the machine. I really enjoyed learning all about this machine, it wasn't easy in the beginning, but for me my samples on the Dubied didn't fall off all the time like they did on the domestic machine.
Designing for the older lady (for David Nieper)
was a challenge to begin with but I really enjoyed it. I have only ever
designed things I liked, so it was good to step out of my comfort zone, and design for someone else. It really drew
my attention, as not many people think about 50 plus women as being fashionable
but yet just look at Anna Wintour, Twiggy, Meryl Streep, Michelle Obama, Helen Mirren,
Loraine Kelly, and Iris Apfel. I think the 50 plus fashion market needs more
attention, I know when I’m at that age I want to be the most stylish grandma
out there.
I was really surprised to be announced as one
of the 10 finalists for the David Nieper competition. I had never entered a
competition before, so to be a finalist was amazing. In achieving this I got to
have an interview with two lovely David Nieper representatives, which was so nerve-wracking
but a great experience. I also got to go on a tour of David Nieper with the
other finalists which I found very insightful, as we got to see and learn about
all the different stages/jobs within a fashion business. It made me realise
that I don’t wont to be a seamstress working on a sewing machine all day, I’m
much for interested in the marketing side by researching forecasts for upcoming
seasons or designing knit.
Outside the David Nieper reception, which i took whilst on the tour.
If anyone gets the
opportunity to go on a tour of David Nieper I really recommend it, it is a
great place with friendly staff. I also loved this competition and I’m so grateful
that I was picked as a finalist.
Next week will bring the second part to this semester, so
look out next Monday if you want to know more.
Thank you so much for reading,
Love Karmann jean
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