Combining shapes...

Combining different sections of vintage knit fabric together in order to form a new fibre art work can be determined by the size and shape of the sections of knit fabric available for use. I often refer to quilting guides in order to develop new shape combinations, even if the combinations are irregular and resemble crazy quilting forms. Celia Eddy’s The quilter’s block bible [New Burlington/Quarto, London, 2010] has provided me with a wealth of different ideas about varied shape combinations.

Examining tone and colour combinations...

The use of recycled vintage knits in new fibre art works requires a considered approach to the use of colour and tone. Even if the found colours and tones featured on the vintage knit fabric are left intact, without the addition of new variations through the application of dyes, bleaches or even surface treatments using inks and paints, looking at reference works on colour is extremely useful. Ian Sidaway’s Colour mixing bible [New Burington, London, 2008] was designed for artists using paints, pencils, crayons and pastels, but it provides useful ideas for anyone seeking to develop harmonious, contrasting or unusual colour and tonal combinations.