Combining threads and textures...

Ideas for thread and texture combinations can be inspired by the approaches developed by other fibre artists. I concentrate on the use of stitching techniques on recycled vintage knit fabrics, but I am also greatly impressed by the expertise of freeform knitting and crochet or ‘scrumbling’ specialists. These fibre artists have frequently broken new ground with their use of different thread combinations in their scrumbling works. They are prepare to combine different thicknesses of matte, metallic and gloss threads, or vary textures from smooth to rough. One of the most useful books covering this field is Jenny Dowde’s Freeform knitting and crochet [Milner Craft Series, Sally Milner Publishing, Bowral, New South Wales, 2005].

Samplers...

It can be very daunting to begin a new fibre art work by using a series of different remnants of vintage knit fabrics, some of which can be quite small. I gain confidence by adopting an approach based on the concept of developing a sampler. I may not necessarily produce work that is suitable for a fully realised fibre art work, but I might produce a sample that has helped me to develop new ideas, fibre methods or compositional techniques. The tradition of making samplers was fostered to develop teaching activities so that younger women could master vital knowledge and skills. I find that a sampler can assist self-directed learning and the development of personal confidence. The Embroiders’Guild in Britain produced Making samplers [David & Charles, Newton Abbot, 1993] – a very useful introductory text for fibre artists who want to discover a range of different traditions associated with the creation of samplers.