CHAPTER 9 - A RESOLVED SAMPLE

Selecting of a source image.

I am starting this Chapter with the image of my finished cushion because it was completed before Sian and I decided it could be my resolved sample!! 

9a

I now need to work backwards and remember my design pathway. When I initially 'played' with the image 9b below I had no idea that it would be used to make a shell themed cushion.

The design evolved from a photograph of two conical shells, one had unusual coloured bands. I printed the photograph, cut out the shells and mounted them on one of my printed papers. I liked the illusion of the shells appearing to stand away from the backing.

9b

My next experiment with this image was to trace in on to lutrador and paint the shell outlines. I cut them out and mounted them on another painted paper.This gave a more ethereal image.
9c

My next experiment with the original photographic image was to print it onto some cotton lawn that had been treated with Bubble Jet Set 2000 liquid. It gave a beautiful clear image of the shell on fabric and this eventually became the central image on my cushion. 

I printed several other shell images on fabric at this time and knew that I would use them some time in Module 3. 

The images on fabric were fantastic, the Nautilus shell looks as if it is real

9d

I eventually decided to use one of the images,the conical shell,  to make a patchwork block. I did not want a traditional regular block but chose to make an irregular or crazy patchwork block. I wanted a design that indicated movement around the central image. The drawn paper pattern and cut pieces for the block are below.

9e, 9f

The next step in my design pathway was choosing fabrics from the stash I dyed for Module 3. I chose some Shibori dyed fabric that complimented the shell image.

9g

I cut out the pattern shapes and pinned them around the shell image.  The fabric was machine stitched to form the block and a piece of batting used to back the design. 

This is layer one of my design

9h

Layer 2 introduced some trapino  type padding behind the central image and  bonded fabric shell shapes in two of the surrounding pieced shapes.
9i, 9j, 9k

Layer 3 involved lots of hand stitching on the bonded shell shapes, hand stitched spirals in the two remaining pieced shapes and embroidered edging  around all the pieces in the block.

9l, 9m

The final stage was making my embellished block into a cushion cover to resolve the design.

9a

I think I have overcome my 'sketch book wobble' and this chapter shows my design development for this resoloved sample. It feel it demonstrates layering, use of complimentary colours, tonal contrast in my dyed fabrics,  patchwork piecing, shapes arranged to form a pleasing design and hand stitched embellishment. Hope you agree?