Unit X Development of Sampling.

I found my sketchbook helpful by using the patterns I have drawn and photographed, turning them into textured sampling. For this unit I am creating a range of fabrics for high fashion menswear.

As I have started to knit and create samples I found colour proportion difficult, so I started to research menswear high fashion brands that use colour. Youth rebels and Kenzo have bright colours that emphasise the technique and structures of the knitting. 
 

Kenzo

 

I found that the proportion of darker colours works well if it is larger than the brighter colours, this is something I am developing as I continue to knit. I have brought in larger proportions of navy blue and olive green which makes the lime greens and bright reds stand out more. These bright pops draw attention to the samples.

I am enjoying working with colour as the proportion and order of the colours is making my techniques more exaggerated and interesting.

The main techniques I have used in my sampling are tuck stitch, drop stitch, mock rib, inlay and racking. These techniques have contrasting structures, so when used in the same sample it distorts the knit creating tactile qualities.

The yarn quality is something I have wanted to improve on from the previous project. I decided to source various weights of yarns. The main yarn I am using on this project is wool, as my collection is Autumn Winter I didn't want lightweight sections of finer cotton. However, I have also sourced finer lambswool to add a softness to the contrasting cotton. I am using mercerised cotton as it adds a vivid brightness and lifts the duller cottons and wools.

I have started to develop my samples into accessory ideas. I want to have contrasting structures within my accessories so I have started illustrating different ways I could have two techniques in conjunction. I found that adding more structures to the patterns gives me a textured effect, which I think works well.

I feel a scarf would strengthen my collection as it would show my samples in repeat on a larger scale.