Experimentation - Subtraction cutting - The 'Tunnel' Technique

Toady I experimented with two techniques of subtraction cutting demonstrated in Julian Roberts' 'Free Cutting'. 

He calls the two techniques the 'Tunnel' and the 'Plug' techniques.     

The 'Tunnel' Technique

Using any round object to hand (in this case an empty coffee cup) to create the holes to be sewn together internally to create a obscure tunnel for an object, like the body, to travel through. 

The first sample I created I only cut two holes in the fabric keeping the fabric flat and with to twisting it to get my head around how it worked.

In the second sample I 

subtracted more of the fabric and twisted the fabric to see what textures, shapes, the way it drapes

To best demonstrate how the tunnel technique manipulates fabric is with it on a object or body part. This shows how 'subtracting' fabric and sewing the holes together causes a mass of fabric that falls and drapes naturally. By subtracting the fabric in this way you create lots of interlinked layers from one piece of fabric. 

I think small aspects of a garment using this technique, like a sleeve or a collar would give a garment a new edge whereas using this technique in all of a garment might be too over powering for the style of collection I have in mind making the clothing less elegant and I might struggle to reflect my concept  that is still developing through my research.

Roundabouts - Textiles and Fashion - Manutex Printing

In the forth roundabout session we attended the option Textiles and Fashion. In this session we experimented with mark marking in the form of manutex printing; a form of pattern printing that can only be printed once, unlike most printing making.

When manutex printing you draw your chosen image or pattern onto the silkscreen and pull it through the screen using a print paste on to material. 

Rather then print onto cartridge paper I experimented with appropriating fashion magazine images. This wasn't very successful because the paper had been printed on previously meaning that the ink didn't soak in. 

Task Three - Development - Textures

In my sketchbook I've been experimenting with stitching in place the folds in fabrics seen in the art of origami. 

To develop the idea further I attempted to stitch the folds in a less precise manner to create a different texture. 

I then cultivated the idea to create a larger piece of fabric using the same technique for a sample garment to see how the distorted fabric effects the drape and fall when on.

Task Three - Development - Sketchbook

I've started to develop my theme of origami in a visual sketch book by collaging appropriating fashion images.

In my sketchbook I've tried to demonstrate how my ideas are evolving in how  origami could be used for garments in a range of materials like different fabrics, paper and woven metals. 

I've tried to make my sketchbook textual with a specific strong visual theme running throughout. I think I need to start being more experimental in my work to develop a stronger outcome. As well as folding I want to explore how materials bend and how they flow and move.