Hand printed samples (Acrylic + Gouache)

I did some hand painted samples mid-way through this project however they weren’t very successful because I used calico, therefore for these samples I used 100% cotton. I printed out templates of a star and polka dots, in a range of different sizes, then used them to draw my designs onto the fabric. I then used acrylic and gouache to see which one would perform better, they both worked really well with the cotton, the colour was bright and you could see brush strokes making it look like an actual print which I really liked. I was expecting the paint to bleed abit, meaning it would be hard to paint the precise shapes; however it didn’t spread at all and was really easy to control. I sewed over the top of both painted designs as I wanted to outline the shapes to make them stand out more. I was really impressed by how easy it was to stitch over the paint, it was like sewing a normal fabric, and therefore I know I will defiantly be hand painted some of the designs. I used a freestitch foot and a normal sewing foot to sew around the circles, I also experimented with using a straight stitch and a zig zag stitch.  I concluded the straight stitch is more suited to the star shape and the zig zag stitch works better on the circles, I also found that it was easier to use the normal sewing foot as it was easy to control.

I have seen the use of bright colours and geometric shapes in the work of Henri Matisse, he is typically know for his cut out shapes, that are very simple in design but really effective in catching your eye as he uses a mixture of bright colours. He has used these shapes to add a sense of movement into his work, therefore I have channelled that into my designs. 

Museum of Conservation :Paris, Centre Georges PompidouAuthor :Henri Matisse https://www.boutiquesdemusees.fr/en/prints/sorrows-of-the-king-henri-matisse-poster/1831.html (10.05.2019)

Sublimation Prints + Stitching

I made the polka dot and star print on Photoshop then sublimated it onto fabric, I have used this technique many times as it is really simple to do but creates a very professional print. I think this technique is perfect for my star print, the reason for this is the star print is on a red background and if I was to use paint on the whole background it would make the fabric too stiff to work with.

Artist Research 

For inspiration I looked at Mara Hoffman’s Autumn/winter 2017 collection which featured two outfits that had bright, busy prints that appeared like they could of been painted on. I really like how she has used the prints to bring the energy of the garments alive, this is what I want my prints to do on my garment.  I want them to showcase my theme of the energetic circus.

Mara Hoffman Autumn/winter 2017 Ready-To-Wear Collection, 13th feb 2017, https://www.vogue.co.uk/shows/autumn-winter-2017-ready-to-wear/mara-hoffman/collection (10.05.2019)

Next Steps

• Applique samples
• Experiment with neon plastic sheets
• Sample for the ruffle around the neck
• I want to finish doing these samples before next week, so in week 8 I know exactly want I am doing, I will know which techniques I am using and how to do them, then I can begin constructing my final design.