mini cushions- work in progress

These are details of work in progress. I have been inspired by Linda Kemshall to quilt my printed fabrics and stuff to create mini cushions. I have also experimented with sparkely threads. The purple and yellow cushion below needs to be finished, so I have shown some details only here.

Final Printed Pieces

I screen printed the block colours and then used the lino blocks to print more detail on top. The light blue works well on top of the rust and navy blue, with the lino detailed printed in a dark blue and burnt umber mix.

Here I have mixed a warm beige colour for the screen print shapes and overprinted with a burnt umber and blue mix.

I have used the same printing combinations here, but printed on to scrunch dyed fabric.

And finally the same combination printed on to bright pink.

19th C mini cushions at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

On a trip to Bristol Museum today I came across these mid- late nineteenth century textile cushions. They were no bigger than 12cm across but there was no information as to their purpose, however I think that they may be pin cushions. The samples include tatting, beadwork, netting, embroidery, canvas work and quilting which were popular needle work pursuits of ladies of the time.

Linda Kemshall - mini cushion

Linda Kemshall's lovely use of dyed fabrics, printed motifs and stitch in this mini cushion have inspired by recent work. I took apart my banner and used the combinations of contrasting fabrics to print onto, using stencils and lino prints.. I have also experimented with metallic powders, inspired by the beautiful way they have been used in this piece.

Lost in Lace - Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Lost in Lace in a unique opportunity to see exciting, international work that will make you think about lace in a totally different way. Featuring large scale, theatrical and visually spectacular work, this exhibition challenges perceptions of what lace can be, involving the visitor in an environment where spaces become fluid and thread creates entirely new boundaries.

The symbolic language, patterns and techniques of lace are represented through radical new approaches by UK and international artists. Featuring large scale, theatrical and visually spectacular work, this exhibition challenges perceptions of what lace can be, involving the visitor in an environment where spaces become fluid and thread creates entirely new boundaries

 Artists include Lise Bjorne Linnert, Tamar Frank, Chiharu Shiota and architecture studio Atelier Manferdini.

Lino print shell design

I created this print from a lino block and printed onto light tan dyed cotton. I applied the acrylic paint with print medium to the block using a brush. I really like this colour combination and have experimented with creating a repeat design with this motif.

Print Design Ideas

I made stencil prints on dyed paper and then used Photoshop to try out repeat pattern ideas.

original colours

inverted colours

Sea Shell Designs

I am interested in exploring the patterns found on the surfaces of shells in order to create some designs for printing. Here is a range of reference materials which have inspired my drawing.

Fabrics from Fabric and Art Website

Indonsesia Batik

Printed Quilting Fabric

 Aboriginal printed fabrics

 African Batik

http://www.fabricandart.com
This is a great website for printed fabrics.

Tie Dyed and Batik Banners

 Fabric banners made from tie dyed and batik cottons overlaid and hung against a white wall.

The same banners as above, but hung in front of a window.

Ruth Isset

Ruth Issett has been a strong influence in my dying and colour project. I have used her book extensively for inspiration and technical information. I like these hanging pieces which link with my own bunting which involves hanging the fabric, light and movement being part of the way the fabrics are viewed. I intend to develop this idea further.

Swirling Lines and Dots 1 & 2 [250 x 100 cms] 

The inspiration for this piece of work came from the study of a Chinese skirt, its structure, unusual colour and stitched additions. The idea of a person dancing, swinging and whirling in it, made it come alive. These pieces express the joyous feeling of movement, the electricity of colour, the texture and distortion of cut and stitched fabric. This wild untidy movement versus controlled rigidity, maybe the inside and outside of the skirt as it swirls and swings around.

 Ruth's work reflects her passion and excitement for using colour on paper and fabric through dyeing, printing and stitch. Much of her work is about movement and glimpsed observations of environments. Every observation is interpreted into colour, carefully noting the variations achieved through the use of collective media.

 Connected with Colour

Tie dyed samples

Large circle tied with thread. Cerise, purple and tan.

Small circles tied with thread. Raspberry.

Concertina folding. Cerise, purple and tan dye.

Rolled and tied at regular intervals. Buttercup, acid yellow and orange dye.

 Space dyed. Turquoise, buttercup and purple dyes.

Stitched and gathered lines. Buttercup.

Painted stripes on to prepared and dried calico. Charcoal and purple.

Circles tied around lentils with thread. Purple.

Concertina folded and rolled fabric. Purple and charcoal.

Flour paste applied to fabric and design scratched into the surface. Dye painted on when the paste had dried.

 As above

 As above

Rolled fabric tied with elastic bands. Two colours applied.