Having produced a lot of painted paper for my previous samples I wondered if I could apply the same method to fabric. Fabric needs to be flat to paint on and I thought a fusible webbing or iron on interfacing would be a good backing for my fabric pieces.

So for my first samples I used what I had – iron on interfacing, and I applied strips of cotton and silk fabric, some commercially dyed, and some tie dyed by me. I also have a lot of saris – some polyester and some silk with embroidery on them, and I included some of these. I then used the same principles as I did for my paper painting and used watercolours to create patterns within my colour scheme.

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My first experimental samples were made from these fabric pieces and cord made on my sewing machine. I have pushed the ideas of weaving with my shapes and making a fringe.

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I also combined some stitching and crochet on some fabric shapes.

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For my next sample I painted wooden beads before wrapping them with thread and adding paper stems.

I wanted to try something more 3D so experimented with painted tissue cut into one of my shapes and wound around into a tube shape. These pieces were then glued together onto a piece of paper. I’m thinking this technique could also work with stiffened fabric.

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I wanted to try mixing different techniques so I made felt and added paper shapes.

I also made silk paper and then used this to make shapes and to weave with.

Thinking about experimenting and taking risks,- I have approached this exercise with the thoughts of using different materials to work with and to combine them in unusual and interesting ways. I have been brave with my colour combinations and patterns, and I have deconstructed materials such as the silk paper I made, and painted pieces, to use to reconstruct by weaving and stitching in experimental combinations. I have achieved much more texture and visual interest in my samples to inspire me for my capsule collection.

I feel I have developed my own techniques and used my materials sensitively. I have brought a sense of scale with shapes and fine crochet work.

Inspirational artists

As part of this journey I have also discovered two more artists who have inspired me.

Tara Axford is a mixed media artist who works with prints, collage, mixed media, fibre arts and photography. I was particularly inspired by her watercolours and her collage work. I like the simple shapes and her use of colour.

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Nancy Brett is a painter and weaver. I am drawn to the colours, texture and apparent simplicity of her pieces, some of which are quite formal and others more free in the use of materials and the structure.

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