Illustration Inspiration

During some online research I found this post featuring fashion illustrations by Michael Roberts.

I really love the movement of them, I would like to use these figures in my own illustrations, as I think they will fit in well with the Dynamic Nomadic theme.

Finalising Samples

Today I finalised my samples with Charlie, Then I spent the day sewing all the trims onto them and cutting them down to mount them up.

I also spent some time looking through so books to inspire me for my fashion illustrations. I think I will go down the collage route, as I don't feel confident enough to paint them.

Using Natural Dyes

In my statement I said that I wanted to explore using natural dyes, as this is what nomadic tribes would have traditional used to dye their fabrics. After some research online, I discovered that a lot of the vegetable dyes only create muted colours, and my colour palette is quite vibrant. If I want to create a vibrant pink I would have to buy cochineal (made from a beetle) and cobalt blue is made from an mineral which I would have to buy especially as well. But I did discover that you can make a really vibrant yellow from turmeric -the spice, so using this video to help me, I tried it.

I am really pleased with the results. The dye takes really well onto the cotton scraps I used, even after just being in the mixture for 5 minutes, and being rinsed and squeezed out.

Since this is a natural dye that has been successful, I think I should incorporate it into my final samples in some way.

Monoprint, Flock & Foil

Today Charlie set up a couple of workshops, to help us to add to the range of processes we include in this project.

The Monoprint was particularly messy - think sticky printing inks and rollers. I managed to create a few prints that I liked, and I tried printing with a knit and printing onto it. But the ink on the knit still hasn't dried *UPDATE* (several days later still not dry) So I'm not sure if I will use this technique in my final work.

Next up was flocking and foiling onto fabric. First you have to paint on a thinnish layer of adhesive in you chosen design (or pull through a screen). You need to use a particular adhesive if using flock, and a particular adhesive if using foil. Then you need to wait for the adhesive to dry (or speed it up with a hairdryer) Once the glue is dry you need to put your flock paper (face down) or foil (face up) onto your design and put in the heat press for 20 secs at 160 degrees. Take it out carefully (it will be HoT!) and peel back the paper or film to reveal your finished design!

I decided to use a gold foil in one of my final samples, I foiled onto a piece of blue wool-like fabric from an old dress I got from the charity shop. I like the juxtaposition of the different textures - shiny foil and soft fabric.