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.
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