I'm currently on a mini holiday.
The event is over so I get a week off to recover and I'm making the most of this time to do some paper work. The least exciting part of my freelance life but a necessary one.
Whilst sorting through papers, I thought now would be an excellent time to sort through my working life too. I finished my degree a year ago so it's a good point to stop, take stock and make some plans for the next stage of work domination. There are a few new irons in the fire but the first thing is that I've moved to a different swatch studio to work with. This doesn't really mean a huge change for me - I still work from home and still post my samples in - but I just felt it was time to work for someone else.
I had a really positive conversation with the studio owner yesterday which has got all sorts of ideas fizzing in my brain. The studio owner has some meetings in New York in the middle of July so I need to get my skates on to have samples ready but by now you should know how much I love a close deadline.
Of course there will be updates and images but remember, this is work that will be sold and then owned by someone else so be prepared for obscure views. In the meantime, I'm sketching swatch ideas like a demon so I have a road map for the design. I'll let you see those in a few days.
x
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Sunday, 16 June 2013
Sweater Design
After the teasing glances, I can share with you final images of my sweater design.
I'm pleased with how it's worked out - using a very different yarn presented me with some interesting challenges not least of all working with a different drape - but it's given me plenty to think about. And of course more design ideas.
Let's hope the client likes it.
x
I'm pleased with how it's worked out - using a very different yarn presented me with some interesting challenges not least of all working with a different drape - but it's given me plenty to think about. And of course more design ideas.
Let's hope the client likes it.
x
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Something New
I've been working on developing some of my menswear knitting that was my Final Major Project at Uni.
During my 3rd year, I used a yarn that I had created myself and which was very well retrieved by people who saw it. I'd still like to work with a yarn company to make it part of an exclusive knitwear line so until then, I'm keeping it to myself. However I can use a more conventional yarn to knit my original designs.
I've been busy knitting samples up to take boutiques and galleries and in a few days there will be pictures of the finished garments.
This is work that I enjoy. Working out how the pieces will fit together and all the algebra that goes along with pattern writing. I'm really pleased with the results - I hope my potential clients feel the same way.
x
During my 3rd year, I used a yarn that I had created myself and which was very well retrieved by people who saw it. I'd still like to work with a yarn company to make it part of an exclusive knitwear line so until then, I'm keeping it to myself. However I can use a more conventional yarn to knit my original designs.
I've been busy knitting samples up to take boutiques and galleries and in a few days there will be pictures of the finished garments.
This is work that I enjoy. Working out how the pieces will fit together and all the algebra that goes along with pattern writing. I'm really pleased with the results - I hope my potential clients feel the same way.
x
Sunday, 2 June 2013
The Seeds of Inspiration
Boy and I have recently become proud parents. Panic not. Before you worry this blog will be over run with bootee patterns and matinee jackets, let me explain.
We don't have actual children. Nor is it the up-coming event. Put your head between your knees and breathe. That dizzy sensation will soon pass.
The management company that owns our building has recently tidied up the ground at the front of the property. During this time, we were able to secure a small plot for our very own. Today I spent some time putting in some new vegetable plants.
The butternut squash will be gorgeous in a risotto.
Of course there is fibre in my garden.
An interesting mix of surfaces and textures.
Different leaves and structures.
This garden has a dual purpose. The obvious one is an ever-changing source of visual inspiration and that is true. The different leaf shapes, the way the sunshine highlights the veins, the mixture of textures, all of these are elements that feed my work but my garden is more than that. I remember in a lecture once, the topic was creative blocks. Specifically how we overcome them. The answer is not to torture the problem into submission but to do something else. I have a number of strategies. The shower is a favourite problem solving place for me as is kneading bread in my kitchen. Gardening is another activity that I find incredibly helpful. There is something about pulling weeds, that allows my brain to free wheel towards an answer. All of a sudden I have a tidy patch of garden and the solution to a design problem.
Not only will I grow vegetables that will be good for my body, I'll be able to weed which is good for the soul.
x
We don't have actual children. Nor is it the up-coming event. Put your head between your knees and breathe. That dizzy sensation will soon pass.
The management company that owns our building has recently tidied up the ground at the front of the property. During this time, we were able to secure a small plot for our very own. Today I spent some time putting in some new vegetable plants.
The butternut squash will be gorgeous in a risotto.
Of course there is fibre in my garden.
An interesting mix of surfaces and textures.
Different leaves and structures.
This garden has a dual purpose. The obvious one is an ever-changing source of visual inspiration and that is true. The different leaf shapes, the way the sunshine highlights the veins, the mixture of textures, all of these are elements that feed my work but my garden is more than that. I remember in a lecture once, the topic was creative blocks. Specifically how we overcome them. The answer is not to torture the problem into submission but to do something else. I have a number of strategies. The shower is a favourite problem solving place for me as is kneading bread in my kitchen. Gardening is another activity that I find incredibly helpful. There is something about pulling weeds, that allows my brain to free wheel towards an answer. All of a sudden I have a tidy patch of garden and the solution to a design problem.
Not only will I grow vegetables that will be good for my body, I'll be able to weed which is good for the soul.
x
Friday, 31 May 2013
Normal Service
Panic not gentle reader. I have not abandoned you.
Almost 4 weeks ago we had a family emergency which was frankly more important than anything else hence my absence. What time I did have was spent working on some commission knitting. This is not a pity post. I wanted to explain why there hasn't been a plethora of knitting. I've just been working on a lot of cabling for the commission. And when I say a lot I mean 15+ meters of various cables. Perfect knitting for someone who's brain was working on a million other things however, as with most commissions, there are no photos to share. I have to wait to see if the designer will send me some that I can post here. I am such a wicked tease.
We have just returned home and are getting things straight before another big event that is coming up in the next few weeks. This is planned and so whilst it will require my time and attention, I will still be posting work, news and inspiration here. I've got some posts in mind which I'm sure you'll enjoy.
Thank you for your patience and stay tuned.
x
Almost 4 weeks ago we had a family emergency which was frankly more important than anything else hence my absence. What time I did have was spent working on some commission knitting. This is not a pity post. I wanted to explain why there hasn't been a plethora of knitting. I've just been working on a lot of cabling for the commission. And when I say a lot I mean 15+ meters of various cables. Perfect knitting for someone who's brain was working on a million other things however, as with most commissions, there are no photos to share. I have to wait to see if the designer will send me some that I can post here. I am such a wicked tease.
We have just returned home and are getting things straight before another big event that is coming up in the next few weeks. This is planned and so whilst it will require my time and attention, I will still be posting work, news and inspiration here. I've got some posts in mind which I'm sure you'll enjoy.
Thank you for your patience and stay tuned.
x
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Grafyairden
Do you remember the series of posts I wrote about my design process?
I talked about what inspires me and how my use of imagery starts to inform the piece. Then I looked at how I choose yarn and final design elements which all work together in a final garment.
The piece I was working on during those posts is now finished.
I talked about what inspires me and how my use of imagery starts to inform the piece. Then I looked at how I choose yarn and final design elements which all work together in a final garment.
The piece I was working on during those posts is now finished.
T
This is Grafyairden. Finding the name for something is always fun and this was no exception. A
graveyard (from Old English graf
"pit"; yairden
"garden, open place") is any place set aside for long-term
burial of the dead, with or without monuments such as headstones. I liked the Old English words and meaning so they were put together to give my pattern it's name.
The pattern is now available in my Ravelry Store. I hope you enjoy it.
x
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Chelsea Gosling
Last year I was contacted by an MA student, Chelsea Gosling, who needed a hand knitter to work on garments. These garments were to make up part of her final collection. I was more than happy to work with her and over the course of a couple of months knitted 3 mens sweaters.
The other week Chelsea emailed me some images of the garments so I thought I'd share them here.
They were knitted in viscose ribbon which gives a luxurious drape and sheen.
The gauge took a little bit of playing with to get the best fabric possible but I'm really pleased with the results. These are very stylish mens garments
It was an interesting experience and one of my first in real design commissions after graduating. I learnt a lot working with Chelsea and found her ideas exciting. I enjoy the process of taking a 2D paper pattern and figuring out the construction for each garment.
Many thanks to Chelsea Gosling for use of the images, Ann Mitchell, the photographer and Armuary of Elite Models.
x
The other week Chelsea emailed me some images of the garments so I thought I'd share them here.
They were knitted in viscose ribbon which gives a luxurious drape and sheen.
The gauge took a little bit of playing with to get the best fabric possible but I'm really pleased with the results. These are very stylish mens garments
It was an interesting experience and one of my first in real design commissions after graduating. I learnt a lot working with Chelsea and found her ideas exciting. I enjoy the process of taking a 2D paper pattern and figuring out the construction for each garment.
Many thanks to Chelsea Gosling for use of the images, Ann Mitchell, the photographer and Armuary of Elite Models.
x
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