Module 5 chapter 7 Tactile Contrasts

This chapter involved making an experimental sampler using different fabrics in different manipulative ways.
The brief was to use plain white fabrics, a black or white background and a toning sewing thread to produce a set of samples measuring about 4 x 4cms arranged in a grid like fashion whilst paying attention to the edges which would add to the finished effect.
The idea was to make as many differing contrasting squares as I desired as long as they felt different. 

This meant that a range of textures would need to be worked out by choosing suitable techniques, fabrics and stitchery. I've used the samples worked in previous chapters to guide me whilst bearing in mind the research images gathered in chapter 1.
The techniques and fabrics I've chosen demonstrate how these characteristics can be achieved through manipulation whilst paying attention to the individual differences of each.
I wanted to make the most of the interesting shadows and reflections cast by the samples and to achieve this I decided to use a white background and paid attention to the edges of each square and the spaces between them to add to the finished effect.

I've arranged the squares to try and promote the best contrasts for touching and feeling namely hard or soft, high or low, smooth or ridged / spiky  and experimented with a video  taking a close up journey over the surfaces of each one to try and evoke a sense of how they might feel.

                                                Finished sampler with written guide below:

 

Further experiments with North American Smocking for chapter 6

My last set of samples of North American smocking revealed an interesting pattern on the reverse which seemed to resemble patterns on the Ivy Clad Ditch research photos in chapter 1.

Sian suggested I try making samples combining the front and reverse patterns on one side of the fabric. Great minds think alike as these had been my thoughts too! So glad Sian suggested it.

These are my trials:
Lattice patterning:
Sample 1 shows two rows of reverse and two rows of the right side stitching
Sample 2 shows alternate rows of reverse and right side stitching

More lattice patterning:
Sample 3: Alternate stitching along the rows. I worked a stitch and then flipped it over to work the next on the other side.
Sample 4 : An alternate simplified  form of lattice stitch 

Lozenge patterning:
Sample 5: Lozenge pattern [right side]
Sample 6: Lozenge pattern - alternate rows of right side and reverse side stitching.

Lozenge stitch reverse:

I thought it would be fun to lay some of these samples against the original research in chapter 1

I enjoyed this and can see interesting tonal shapes and patterns which may be wonderful in later stages when I start to pull ideas together. I'm thinking ahead to stitching and maybe introducing some needle weaving along the threads on the reverse sides to add texture at a later stage.