Live Brief - Bradford Project.

For the four-week Bradford Project I decided to use a different concept, from my summer work. I wanted inspiration that would allow me to expand my drawing ideas. I have centred my concept on the phrase ‘Time Deception’, looking at ‘Obscure and Fading’. I started drawing using different materials and media rather than drawing from images, which I normally do. I gathered materials such as tracing paper and acetate, which I then layered. I photographed these drawings and then drew from them. However, I found I became too focused, so I photographed hands and still life set-ups, which I obscured using filters. It has taken me a long time to develop this concept and gather drawings, as I felt lost and unsure of my work. However with this concept and strong drawings I found I could develop sampling ideas further.

I find I am always drawn to Autumn/ Winter Menswear, looking at designers that had chunky knits, using thicker yarns. However, for this smaller project I wanted to focus on Spring/ Summer and create finer knits which could be layered up, as this challenge would push me to create a varied collection. James Long, Jonathan Saunders, and Sibling, all design for Spring/ Summer menswear and their work features a delicate look and are pushing the boundaries of Menswear. I wanted my knitwear collection to have a similar style, by pushing my limits and developing my skills. I worked outside my comfort zone to develop a finer knitted collection, as I wanted my work to have a draped quality.

Jonathan Saunders SS15

My colour palette started out using pale greys, purples and blue. Initially I thought these colours would push me to create a softer collection, however after looking at initial development samples I edited my colour palette to incorporate darker greys. I changed the purple as it no longer suited the colours, bringing in different shades of green instead.

I created simple designs with areas of details, such as drop stitch and lace holes, as this delicate stitch does not overpower the piece, allowing for subtle detailing. The cotton and viscose allowed the piece to have fluidity, this strengthened the collection as the individual pieces flowed and had a movement.  

Within this Bradford project, I have found it difficult as it is out of my comfort zone because I also had to learn how to use a different gauge-knitting machine and I looked more into the proportions of colours and textures to allow the draped delicate qualities to show through in my collection.