http://www.wearablehugs.com/

I haven’t quite got the SEO sorted but its on its way…….

This is exciting …..

It was great to see my hugs in context and being worn,

]]> http://justdosomething.co.uk/wearablehugs-photo-shoot/feed/ 0 http://justdosomething.co.uk/creating-my-own-labels-wearablehugs-com/ http://justdosomething.co.uk/creating-my-own-labels-wearablehugs-com/#comments Sat, 30 Apr 2016 20:30:53 +0000 http://justdosomething.co.uk/?p=876 I wanted to create my own labels to complement my wearable hugs, I did some label research ….

My labels needed to be soft, I hate scratchy label’s, how to make labels ??? Following my tutorial I was introduced to the CAD embroidery machine at NUA , what an amazing machine …..

 I wanted a handwritten font I used a drawing tablet to create a free form line, this was amazing !!

 Really interesting pattern created from the thread movement between each label

I experimented with several fabrics deciding to use a light woollen cloth very overpriced for labels but the feel of the fabric was just right.

I wanted a frayed edge to the label to compliment each wearable hug.

I experimented embroidering straight onto crocheted fabric, my sample pieces where too small to fit in the hoop which meant they had to be backed with fabric to allow the tension on the hoop surface to be maintained, a water soluble fabric was added to the surface face of the fibre to prevent the needle picking up threads. However the water soluble fabric was too small and caught under the needle . I was unhappy with the final outcome as the additional material backing caused the embroidery to be stiff.

 Finished items with labels.

Future development – sourcing labels will be required once I have left NUA initial enquiries labels are very expensive for small volumes this will require further research and requesting samples to source the correct label.

1st attempt – no story , and random after discussion with my tutor I could understand what was meant , it was a series of images but no theme and no obvious context.

Photo to follow shortly

2nd attempt – A bit better obvious inspiration but context still not right , also boards too large

Inspiration Board

Context

3rd attempt … Smaller boards balanced inspiration board, very pleased with the context board , shows idea in a very effective way.

Context

Inspiration Board

Learning to take forward..

1. Practical tip do not stick images down until convinced it will work

2. Asking for other opinions ( I  am aware I do to do this often enough as I worry about the response) but as in this case I have learned the positive benefits of asking for opinions from others  and can see the results in the development of the boards. I will try to keep doing this throughout the next unit.

I wanted to experiment with the photographs of the machine embroidered chrysanthemum – both the initial and the inverted image.

Collaged sublimation prints

Image enlarged – 3 prints sublimation paper exhausted

Learning to take forward

I enjoy sublimation printing , the printing is instant I also feel in control of the printing process allowing me to experiment with the image rather than just managing the process.

Continue sublimation printing in the next unit, experiment with surface texture.

I am very excited by this project whilst writing this reflective entry I am able to reflect on  the development of this project it is a very good example of not having a fixed outcome at the beginning but to see where the journey goes….

Step 1. Painting of chrysanthemum

Step 2. Machine stitched onto painting

Step 3 Held the image up to a light source , interesting what if ….

Step 4. Photographed the embroidery in front of the light source

Step 5. Inverted the colours of the photograph

Step 6. Printed the image for sublimation printing

Step 7. Experimented with scale

Step 8. I like this image .. what can I use for a print surface (thankyou design studio for your help)

Step 9. Image on light box film

Step 10. Light created.

        TO      

Learning to take forward..

I can do it , I just need to stop thinking and get on with it ..

Not have fixed outcomes at the beginning of the project

Experiment..

Initial ideas foliage prints went well ..

 Mono printed background

Kodatrace created using black water based printing ink.

Learning to take forward ..

1.Sample ALL mediums BEFORE trying final designs..

Textured printing ink varied on each image creating a very uneven screen allowing a varied amount of ink through the screen.

2. Sample ALL screen layers BEFORE trying final designs

The combination of layers didn’t work as the flowers blended in to the background given a very cluttered/messy look.

3. Sample, Sample Sample !

I find screen printing very difficult as I am so messy and do not seem to be able to develop a system for handling screens and working out top and bottom of the screens.

I have 4 prints from this screen printing session  I have decided not to throw the prints away as I intend to use them for developing machine embroidery.

This has re enforced my desire to try new techniques next term, I have booked the knitting machine and the dye kitchen.

Willow twigs work amazingly well as brushes, as the buds rehydrate printing becomes harder.

I wanted to create a series of patterns using blocks of colour with an illustrative print over the top (1950 `s style ) but this didn’t work ? initial colour choice of paper as mono print didn’t work.

Learning to take forward ..

Sustained sampling would have helped instead of flitting from one technique to the next, whilst writing this I remember writing the same thing in BA3 hopefully it has gone in this time …

Whilst driving home I was able to reflect on the workshop and the conversations I had had with the tutor, I think I am beginning to understand the difference between creating a piece of art work and a repeating design, I don’t think an image can simply be put into repeat it and be expected to work, balance and flow of the image are very important.