Part 3 - Reflection

Textiles 1 – A Creative Approach

Assignment three

Reflection

I am pleased with the work I have done for this assignment. My favourite part of this assignment was Stage 4 Raised and structured surface textures.  I tried as many techniques as I could and I like the gathering of fabric. I think the gathering ones were most successful especially the silk chiffon and silks. I like the texture from moulding and gathering the fabrics and the way a three dimensional look can be achieved very quickly. In the exercises I tried very hard not to let the technique take over but they are different from my drawings.  I feel I have learned a lot working with the techniques and can see possibilities I perhaps would not have done if I had stayed true to the drawings.  I could be more experimental by using a variety of fabrics and on a larger scale.

In contrast to the way I worked with the fabric manipulation techniques I found it helpful to work from my drawings when doing the appliqué exercise.  I found it easier to choose materials that would interpret my drawings.  I think this was also because I find that cutting and using the shapes is more like drawing.  The fact that I was able to do the larger sample from one of my drawings is I feel a step forward for me.  I have before found it easier to work directly with the fabrics and thread.

I like working with stitch both by hand and machine.  I find hand stitching very relaxing and therapeutic.  It is also more sociable as there is no need to shut oneself away hunched over a sewing machine.  However, I do like to stitch by machine to quickly build up rich textures for background that can be hand stitched on.

As I work through the course I am finding that I am looking to work through any limitations that can occur.  I like the problem solving and the thinking that goes into it.  I am beginning to think about my choices such as have I used the right fabric/thread what would happen if I used something different? 

I did find the research pieces difficult to do especially the second piece.  I was unsure of how much I was to write on this as I found the subject quite extensive when I looked into it.  I think in hindsight I should have contacted my tutor for guidance rather than deliberating for so long.

On completing this assignment I know now there is no right or wrong way to do something and I do need to experiment more and follow through the possibilities I can see from the work I am doing.  Time is a limitation with this but I have found that I am managing my time more to get the most out of it as the course has gone on.