This month is very exciting at Dobby and Rose as we have been set an assignment by Rebecca to create a 2.5 metre piece of fabric inspired by the British countryside.
1st April
Today we were sent to go and explore our surrounding areas in the countryside. I decided to go to West Dean Gardens to get inspiration from there. I didn’t have an idea of what I wanted find so was very open to anything. I enjoyed walking round the grounds and taking images for my research.
3rd April
Continued research for the 2.5m length of fabric. I started drawing from my images and gaining inspiration from online. I really enjoyed the shapes of the bushy flowers. With weaving it’s often very rigid with lines. I was eager to create circular shapes. I was really inspired by the blue hydrangeas and was by this point eager to combine blues and creams together.
8th April
Today we presented our work towards each other. I was nervous for this but then had to remind myself it was very low key. Everyone really like my idea which was nice also. After this we started experimenting with card windings, and planning some ideas.
10th April
NO REBECCA EASTER HOLIDAY
15th April-
NO REBECCA EASTER HOLIDAY
17th April
NO REBECCA EASTER HOLIDAY
22nd April
Continued experimenting with smaller warps. I was torn between a point, rosepath or overshot. I decided on an overshot design that I designed from scratch. This was the first time I designed something all on my own. I was very proud of myself.
24th April
Continued perfecting the design.
29th April
Today I started winding the warp for the actual cloth. I was doing a gradual colouration so this meant the process was slow. We also have a new intern starting today so I helped ensure she felt comfortable and knew what she was doing and where things were. She is also called Rose, from Loughborough. It’s always so interesting speaking to other university students and hearing what there experience is like and what they get up to.
We also, have three other ladies completing an 8 week weaving course. Its very busy in there because of this. It was so sunny outside today that I took all of my bits and bobs and set up outside.