Developing positives and negatives...

In addition to the use of families or shape, I frequently consider positive shapes and negative spaces when I develop fibre compositions.

Developing shapes...

I still use the concept of 'families of shape', or related shapes that fit together, as a means to develop shapes for fibre compostions.

Three dimensional fibre forms...

Janet Edmonds' book Beginners' guide to embroidered boxes (Search Press, Tunbridge Wells, 2002) provides guides to the creation of three dimensional vessels as well as books that could be stored in these containers. This provides pathways to presentation techniques for artists' books. Edmonds combines machine embroidery, hand embroidery, applique and quilting techniques.

Three dimensional fibre forms...

I have recently begun to expand my own professional of texts related to three dimensional fibre forms related to embroidery techniques. I was initially interested in three dimensional embroidered forms through an interest in stumpwork and fabric dollmaking, but interest in 'three dimensional embroidery' has expanded in recent years. Janet Edmonds has produced a number of texts - I really enjoyed her Three-dimensional embroidery. Methods of construction for the third dimension. (Batsford, London, 2005).

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.