Samples 2016: Week 3, Network/Roses

Network is the design idea, roses the colour palette - it's not meant to look like flowers!

I started with little circles of red felt sandwiched between two pieces of Romeo dissolvable fabric. Red free machine embroidery linked the dots.

Each circle was then buttonhole stitched in a range of rose colours, before dissolving.

Samples 2016: Week 2, Wavy/Black and White

I like the boldness of this one. Starting with black felt, I used the embellisher to apply strips of felt and thick yarns, then added simple machine and hand stitching to get a variety of lines.

It's the felt strips that give it impact, I think - pleased with that effect.  

Samples 2016: Week 1, Crackle/Sweet peas

My first random pairing suggests “crackle” pattern/style, in “sweet peas” colours. Doesn’t seem a natural combination, does it? But it’s only a starting point, I’ll do what I fancy with materials I’ve already got.

So I chose to hand stitch a pattern like the crackle you see in ceramic glaze or paint effects. Instead of fabric I used paper, for crispness. The closest thread I could find with sweet pea-ish shades  of white, pink and purple was an Anchor pearl cotton.

Weekly Sample Project 2016 - Intro!

Here we are then – year 10! 

I’m anticipating a chaotic year on the home front, but I still need (maybe more than ever) a weekly mini textile project. I’m addicted to my little samples for the fun, challenge, variety and serendipity. And the ever growing collection is a fabulous resource.

2015’s project was tougher than expected. Finding an image to start from on the Guardian’s website was difficult and took me ages. I couldn’t plan ahead at all as I could with the illustrated diaries I’ve used some years, so I fell behind every time I went away.

But 2014’s completely free project (anything on a 5cm card) showed me I prefer some direction, and to be pushed outside my comfort zone from time to time.

I do love the box of tiny samples though!

 

So here’s what I’ve decided to do for 2016:

52 styles or visual hints + 52 colour ideas = 52 random combinations!

I got Excel to mix up my two lists and combine them completely randomly – no cheating, that’d spoil the fun, so there’s some pretty odd pairings. But all allocated in advance, so I can make up little kits if I’m going to be away or something. 

 

I’ll try and post my efforts… starting with “Crackle” in “Sweet peas” colours. Hmm… is this really such a good idea?!