The Big Move

Okay, so tomorrow is the big day! I'm packing up and setting off to my new home in Huddersfield, and I've been excited for MONTHS. I've gotta admit, I'm now absolutely bricking it, and wishing I could change my mind and have more time here. I can't believe I have to leave my Nan and Grandad and I'm gutted :(

But on the bright side, this is a big thing for me, and once it's done it's not really something I ever need to be scared of again. And I guess it's not like I'm going forever!

So people, wish me luck 'cos I'm gonna need it! And I will probably update again around the first day of my course.

Ciao! xx

Moth Update and Summer Project...

Firstly, an update on the moth issue. Devastatingly the problem was emitting from my beloved moss lady! :'( So I had to get rid of her, when I looked up close she had moth goo and larvae all cuddled up in her lovely wool :( On the upside of this issue, I now have more space to make other lovely goodies, and have no more moths! *Phew*

Right, yesterday I recieved an email from Huddersfield uni, giving me details of a summer project I have to complete for the start of term. I'm REEEALLY excited about this project, it's called the "Dream Rocket Project", and basically I have to create a 15cm X 15cm panel that will in some way represent my ideas for a better future, to then be placed on a 363ft rocket in America.

Information - http://www.thedreamrocket.com

As anybody who knows me will already be aware of, nearly every piece of work I do directly relates to nature, and I'm very concerned with environmental issues such as pollution, global warming etc. I think I am going to use pollution as my starting point, focusing on materials that are often thrown away that then come to harm the environment.

I am REALLY looking forward to this project, and think it gives me a great opportunity to broaden my use of different materials etc. I'm going to go write up some ideas now, but I will keep you updated with images of it's progess etc! :D

Ciao! xx

Moth Infestation?

I have recently found about 5 small moths around my room, which is not good for me given my irrational fear of moths. I also found a couple of moth grubs crawling up my walls. I'm positively kacking myself, as I fear they may have infested my wool stash and have no idea how to get rid of them. I am moving away for University in 23 Days (OMG!) and really don't fancy taking an infestation with me, as that could really ruin my moving experience!! :|

If anyone has any idea how I should proceed to tackle this issue it would be reeeeeally appreciate it, as I'm writing this whilst curled up in a corner of my room rocking back and forth! :(

Caio! x

Lack of Craftiness & Cornwall...

I've been very busy over the past few weeks so have struggled to update, but also struggled to take on new, or complete any existing projects. I have had so many inspiring moments, and have been unable to do anything about it! I'm currently trying to get everything prepared for moving to University in 7 weeks, making sure I have everything I need for my room, for my kitchen, for my course etc.

I am trying to complete my cushion at the moment, and it is coming on well. I have made a mistake halfway through, and I'm not sure if it's my pattern or my lack of concentration, but I'm going to ask someone else to try knit the pattern and see if they have the same problem.

In other news I have just come back from a week in the lovely St Ives, Cornwall visiting my Mam and gorgeous baby brother (who now has the strongest Cornish accent imaginable!) and I'm already dying to go back. Very depressing drive back to Bradford I must say, and I have decided pretty solidly that once Uni is over etc I'm definitely moving down there. The little boutique style shops are so unique and beautiful, I walked round making mental notes of craft projects to try, and came home and got my box of stuff out! I feel constantly motivated and inspired down there, and back up here that has all just fizzled out again.

Unfortunately I have no pictures of anything for this post, making it fairly boring, but ho hum, by my next post I should definitely have completed at least one project! (Fingers crossed...)

Ciao!! xx

P.S. Almost forgot!! I got my results back for my Foundation Course! I was one mark of a distinction! Bitter-sweet really, my first reaction was utmost happiness, 'cos I thought the most I would get was a pass, so to get over that was amazing. But once the shock died down and I came to terms with it, I realised that if my motivation hadn't fizzled out in the last week I could have got a distinction. Oh well, nothing I can do about it now, except learn from the experience! :)

Current Projects...

So I started this project months ago, from a book of Prayer Shawl patterns. I really like it, and I like the colours produced from knitting three yarns together. The only problem I have encountered is how BORING it became knitting the same rows after rows. I have to keep knitting the same 2 rows (simple knit and purl) until the centre piece measures 18inches. This is the sort of thing that can be done whilst watching TV and not concentrating very much.

I decided I needed a bit more of a challenge, and something that I might actually use. I wanted to create a cable knit cushion, but I couldn't find a single pattern that I really liked. I decided to look through my knitting books and find a couple of cable patterns I really liked and combine them to create my own cushion pattern. This is only a prototype of the pattern, as I am still writing and correcting it, but I really like the effect. I used two rope cables on each side, and a plait in the centre. It was much harder than anticipated, and the pattern is much longer than I expected, but it seems to be looking okay for now! If it is too small, which it may well be, I will go back and try and make it a little wider. Once I have perfected it and am pleased with the results I'll post pictures, and upload the pattern I used. I'm quite excited, it's the first piece I will have ever done that uses cable patterns! :D

Half completed cable cushion

Close up of the plait cable.

Ciao for now! :) x

Final Major Project

Well, it's been a VERY long time since I last posted, as I've been working pretty hard on finishing my Final Major Project, then finished college last week, and have been chilling out for a while since!

This is my final piece, a moss inspired textiles piece that covers a mannequin like moss covers a stone. It is made primarily of felt, with hand woven pieces, and lace felted in.

As I explained at the beginning of the project I wanted to contradict the tense environment artwork is often displayed in, where the works aren't allowed to be touched. I created a piece that people want to reach out and touch, but they also feel uncomfortable as it is displayed on a woman's body.

I think my final piece was very successful. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Let me know what you think!! :)

Ciao for now! xx

Mark making and Felting

Right it's been a while since I last posted, I've been crazy busy, but have got quite a bit done. I am posting some of my mark making and sketches as promised, and have also tried my hand at felting and embroidery.

Mark making representation of the eroded concrete:

Sketches of outside wall texture:

Pencil

Biro

Graphite

Embroidery and Felt making:

I begun experimentation by embroidering Hessian with DK in neutral colours. This is to represent the eroded concrete, as shown in the sketches. I didn't think it was particularly successful, so decided to experiment with felt making.

First I begun by just playing around with the process, I really wanted to see how I could make felt more textural, and less two-dimensional. I tried creating a layer of base felt, and adding pieces after. The pieces were very loose, and it didn't look great, so I tried to find other ways.

This was an experiment to see if texture could be created by adding objects underneath the top layer of felt. The bottom layer is purchased, half-felt. I added buttons, then created the felt pattern over the top. Although it is not visible, it did work, and the felt traps the buttons.

This is the most successful piece so far. I created this piece by placing buttons and thick yarn on top of the half felt, then creating a simple, neutral toned pattern over the top, to represent the eroded concrete. I then used various embroidery techniques to accentuate the buttons, and create a textured surface. The techniques I used include seeding, wheels, couching, French knots, and I also completely wrapped the buttons in yarn to imitate stones. I am really pleased with this piece and intend to continue experimenting with felt.

This is some of my work and experimentation for my "Can I Touch It?" project so far. I think my latest piece is the most fitting so far, as it most certainly makes you want to play with it, and see how all the different components feel.

I am going to do loom weaving tomorrow at college, and will try and create the most textural pieces I can. I will update as with the results as soon as possible, and hopefully it will give some inspiration! :D

Ciao for now! xx