Preparation techniques...

Preparation…drawing, printing and collage...

I use a range of media and supports when I develop visual compositions for fibre works. Drawings developed through the use of aquarelles or watercolour pencils and felt pens on different types of paper are still incredibly useful, but I have also used monoprint techniques, and I produce collages based on the use of existing photographs and sketches, and even scraps of fabric.  

Preparation techniques...

Preparation... paper weaving...

I have often prepared visual compositions for fibre works by using paper weaving techniques. Paper weaving may seem to be a quite simple technique, but I find it useful as a means to develop colour combinations, and determine different line and shape combinations.

Sourcing and reviewing printed publications for fibre arts and crafts...

I recently discovered  Mary Rhodes’ Needlepoint. The art of canvas embroidery. (Octopus, London, 1974) in a garage sale. This publication provided valuable historical material as well as useful insights into needlework techniques and approaches to design methods that could easily be adapted to twenty-first century fibre art works.

Sourcing printed publications for fibre arts and crafts...

I frequently visit second hand, opportunity or charity shops in order to purchase vintage clothing, fabric or threads that could be recycled for use in fibre art works. Some of these outlets also stock really useful fibre art and craft publications. Given my love of calico as a base fabric for embroidery, I have found publications on candlewick embroidery techniques to be particularly useful. 

Fabric versatility...

In praise of calico…

 

Calico can also be a very versatile fabric. Different types of heavy calico can be strong enough to withstand constant overstitching and some types of lighter calico can be softly stretched and twisted in order to develop fabric sculptures.

Considering calico...

Fabric selection for machine embroidery…

I have used calico for machine embroidery for many years. In addition to the advantages of calico as a ground for fabric paints and printing inks, washed calico can provide a subtle and receptive surface for the application of commercial and natural dyes.

Stitch selection and threads…

I frequently use a hand sewn overcast or couching stitch or a buttonhole or blanket stitch in order to combine different threads together, thereby creating a particular visual effect through variations in tone, colour and texture. These stitches can also be very useful when I want to include tiny amounts of a special thread in a specific section of a fibre work. I have used overlays of buttonhole and zigzag stitches on my sewing machine in order to achieve this task as well. Interesting effects can be achieved when the top stitches are completed in fine threads over heavily textured or variegated threads.