Just Do Something

Experimental 3D fibreglass shape covered with machine knitting

Nicki — Wed, 20 May 2015 22:54:09 +0000

Following my experience gained on work placement I decided to try covering a fibre glass shape with machine knitting, I wanted to experiment using machine knitting as a fabric that could be cut and manipulated over forms to create interesting outcomes.

The machine knitting worked really well, with good stretch covering the knitting was held in place with spray mount.

Learning to take forward

Experiment covering 3D forms with machine knitting

Research artists working in a similar field

Use of 3D scans to create textiles

Nicki — Wed, 20 May 2015 22:39:52 +0000

Following the talk by Beatrice Korlekie at the NUA Fashion Event, I decided to try creating a textile response using images of 3D scans of Triking Sports Car chassis front section. I contacted the company who had created the 3D images but they where unable to supply me with images that could be opened using home programmes as the images where created using specialist industrial software. However they where able to send me 2 snapshot images which I able to manipulate and experiment with.

I wanted to create a crochet pattern based on this design inspired by Beatrice Korlekie design using 3D (although the scans Beatrice had used where of her head)

I initially knitted a tube on the knitting machine using 100% spaced dyed viscose, then crocheted the tube into a circle, adding wire shrouds to emphasis the triangles and added O rings initially to enable each circle to be connected to the next adding detail and texture.

Learning to take forward

Experiment creating multiples shapes in the beginning to develop

This crocheted sample has not really worked as its quite bulky, this could have easily been solved by early sampling using different weight/size of tube

Photograph showing machine knitted tube and crocheted sample.

3D Felting Samples

Nicki — Wed, 20 May 2015 22:28:22 +0000

I decided to experiment felting using vehicle components as formers to create shapes in the felt, I knitted the initial fabric on the knitting machine using 100% lambs wool.

1st felted sample 40 degree machine wash – fabric felted very well – shrinkage approx. 10%

2nd felted sample Yarn used – Lambs wool – using metal washers tied into the knitted fabric

1 washer tore through the felt during the machine wash outcome partially successful

3rd felted sample Yarn used Lambs wool / Viscose thread – metal washer used to create shape

Washers remained in the felt ? addition of viscose created a stronger fabric that prevented the tearing.

4th felted sample Yarn used – Lambs wool – Washers fixed in place with elastic bands 40 degree wash

All washers tore through fabric, created an interesting fabric on the reverse but not suitable for the application. ? The addition of towels to the washing drum caused the problem or the use of elastic bands caused the washers to tear the felt.

5th felted sample Yarn used Lambs wool and Viscose thread – Washers fixed in place with elastic bands -40 degree wash.

Again all washers tore through the felt,? Use of elastic bands or the addition of towels to the washing cycle. Fabric not suitable for application.

Learning to take forward

Continue to experiment with materials

Small changes can cause difficulties during the making process, again reduce the variables by changing 1 thing at a time

Research “Shibori” felting

Research artist using manipulated surfaces

Yarn sampling

Nicki — Wed, 20 May 2015 21:14:36 +0000

For this project I wanted to learn how to use the knitting machine and to use wire !! I made it very difficult for myself as I wanted to experiment with all types of yarn and develop new skills at the same time. This was very frustrating as it repeatedly went wrong and the knitting fell of the knitting machine or the yarn wouldn’t knit at all . At first I thought it was my inability to learn to use the machine but with discussion with Liz Clarke I realised it wasn’t me but the yarn, hurrah! Liz suggested I stick to simple yarns to learn the techniques and then to experiment with yarn.

Photos below show the various types of yarn/thread I tried..

I decided to abandon the use of wire for final samples as I couldn’t get the results I wanted, I have not given up entirely I am sure once I have increased my knitting machine skills I will be able to use wire and create my desired outcomes, but it did force me to look at other types of yarns to enable me to get the effect I wanted, as I was using metallic objects as inspiration I thought initially I should use metal but on a wider search I sourced some viscose from Uppingham yarns giving me the metallic look and very soft fluid texture juxtaposing the metal object.

Learning to take forward..

When learning a new skill keep it simple, reduce the variables by using a consistent material enabling a good skill base to be built , then experiment with materials.

Liz Clarke – Knitting Machine Workshops

Nicki — Wed, 20 May 2015 17:21:10 +0000

I was very fortunate to be able to attend a series of knitting machine workshops run by Liz Clarke. Liz Clarke is a very experienced machine knitter and tutor. These workshops where very useful and informative, each week we learnt a new technique and where able to have individual short tutorials to discuss our drawings and our knitting samples.

Some of the techniques I found very frustrating as they kept going wrong for example knitting in the round. This took hours of practise to make 1 circle, the photo below shows the development (I haven’t included the samples that completely fell to bits)

However I was very pleased to make 2 complete circles.

We also practised stitch patterns, ladders and holes I was able to create several interesting fabrics using these techniques and combining a variety of yarns.

Acrylic Yarn Nylon filament/Wool 100% Viscose

We also learned how to use punch cards to make a variety of patterns, and how to use multiple strands of yarn.

Lambs wool/ Viscose

Learning to take Forward

Practice ….

Choice of yarn makes a huge difference

I hope these workshops can be repeated in the 3rd Year as I have found them very helpful.

Machine Knitting – The begining..

Nicki — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 14:11:29 +0000

For BA6 I wanted to learn how to use the knitting machine, I had thought about it for the previous unit but worried about not being able to use the machine and thought I would fail, and then spent the rest of unit not liking what I was doing and feeling frustrated. I got the lowest mark I had achieved for my whole time at NUA. I decided it couldn’t get much worse,

well time will tell…

I took this picture to remind me how to thread up the knitting machine. It has been very useful.

My first piece of knitting

I was so pleased with this small piece of machine knitting, I managed to cast on, knit several rows and cast off without losing any stitches.

I have added the photo of my latest piece of machine knitting created using punch card, this shows my technical progression on the knitting machine. I am very pleased with the outcome, I was determined to learn how to use the knitting machine and feel I am beginning to understand it, I have bought a second-hand knitting machine to allow me to develop my skills over the summer holidays to enable me to start my 3rd year with a strong skills base.