Deconstructing Skylines. Evaluation of Intentions.

My main concept and underlying theme has been 'Urban Influences', throughout this brief I found that my drawings were becoming boring and the same, so I decided to change my approach. I began to deconstruct skylines to create blocked drawings; this related strongly to Matthew Borrett, the Illustrator who created broken segmented drawings. My sketchbook shows how I developed my drawings adding splashes of colour to add detail and interest.

I developed the deconstructed skylines idea into knit, recreating the patterns and shapes; however, I decided I did not want a background so started to experiment in yarn choices. I looked at monofilament to use as a background yarn which created a clear appearance; this allowed my patterns from my sketchbook to standout and become the main feature. Using this material was temperamental and I was unsure of whether it could be used throughout the fashion industry, this risk pushed me to create larger advanced pieces using the monofilament.

 I then decided to create smaller individual pieces using various techniques in each sample and placing them next to each other to create one piece. I developed this by placing the individual pieces on top of each other, and attaching them in some way so it became one piece which is easier to develop into fashion samples. Initially, I was unsure of how to attach the samples, I took a risk and linked my work together on the Linker Machine; this took time and was difficult trying to balance out the proportions. The patched effect, this technique gave, is unusual. This experimentation did not work on all my samples as the weights of the different fabrics did not work well together; the light monofilament against a heavy wool or cotton was too much of a contrast and took away the visual aspect of the pieces.

I found it challenging to decide which pieces should go together and also how they should be placed, I relied heavily on my sketchbook and drawings looking at the placement and the compositions, this was my main use for my sketchbook throughout this project.

I decided I did not want a collection full of patched pieces; I wanted a range of larger samples, preferring the large monofilament and viscose punch card piece. I found the punch cards a strong way to knit my patterns and designs into my samples.

I developed my skills on the Dubied Machines showing this through my technical file; I then created various samples relating to my own work using the processes in a creative and original way to create my particular patterns based on my drawings. 

My final collection is strong as a whole and works well together. The strong contrast of the pieces is successful in bringing a new level to my collection; strengthening it by adding interest.

I think my project was lost context wise, however, after researching different fashion designers such as Leutton Postle and Irina Shaposhnikova, it gave me confidence that my samples would be successful in the fashion industry, and the yarn type would work in a higher fashion industry. For the next project I am going to start looking at higher sculptural fashion pieces, creating unique looking samples. I would also like to develop my yarn choices using more unique unusual yarns such as wires and metals, giving my work structure. I have started to look into which aspects of fashion I would like to develop down to strengthen my knowledge of that area, by researching artists and going to different exhibitions. This has helped me find which area I wanted to specialise in which will help me for future projects.