Unit X | Reflection

In the past I was always told that I should avoid using the colour black in my work. But after speaking with my tutor and peers, we discussed that I should do what I felt was best. I have always been fascinated towards textured art so this is something I want to take further. One machine that really gave off a strong textured feel was the tufting machine. This machine allowed me to work all sorts of threads that I intended. Careful planning was required when working with dissolvable fabric as it could have easily gone wrong.

Several weeks were spent exploring new machines, techniques and samples by ex-students and staff. I have always avoided using certain areas in the MMU studios and workshops as I felt I wouldn’t benefit from them at all. However, as it was my final year I wanted to try unknown machinery and techniques of dye labs and stitches. So, to begin with I went into the dye room and began dying fabric the colour that I set myself to work with in Unit X which were neutral earth colours, after realising how simple it was to do this I set myself a huge challenge in making 6 samples of drawings, dying fabric, stitch and experimentation each week. So far it has been successful.

These are the first few fabrics that i had dyed which I think was successful because it matched with my colour palette. I also used a range of materials so I could see what fabrics worked with which machine.

Another area I set myself to experience was the saddle stitch machine, I had assumed it was a normal machine with no amazing stitching. However, after being introduced to it and experimenting with different threads and fabrics, my opinions had changed. Reflecting on previous courses, I have avoided using new equipment and decided to stay in my comfort zone. But now I feel I have a better understanding in how to get better and stronger developed samples.

This is the saddle stitch machine which gives off straight stitches on one side and looped stitches on the other. I prefer the looped stitch side as it looks more edgy and organic which is apart of my theme.

Portfolio day was help on 20^th March which I felt was helpful. This day gave us an insight to what it could be like for us after graduation. Ex-students were invited in to present their work and what their life has been like since graduation. Some people varied from being completely broke to some working for high end brands. From this day, I felt a huge sense of relief as I felt like the one that would end up at the bottom of the pile with my practice, after discussion and one to ones, I was confident enough to go ahead with my life plans; PGCE, Practice on the side, open my own studio and begin a brand. We were all advises to start early and contact potential employers now as they would be coming across our work in the degree show soon. We were also recommended to use social media safely as a platform for our work so that anyone can view our work and could possibly ask for pieces or receive commission.