Knit Techniques

I began my research by investigating a variety of stitch patterns i.e rib stitch, moss stitch, cable stitch, tubular knitting etc. I then, using books, magazines and internet access, researched the guidlines on how to create these particular stitches.I selected numerous images to reference my theory. I also researched various fashion designers who use or have used these knit techniques in their collections.

By studying other fashion designers' knitwear, I found that the most common knit techniques used were ribbing, shaping (increasing and decreasing), loop stitching and tubular knitting.

 Loop Stitch

It is possible to produce a looped pile or shaggy-like fabric using the the loop stitch technique. I, personally, admire the purpose of this technique as it enables me to visualise a fluffy yet rugged texture. It also provides fullness and quality craftship to the fabric piece.

Rodarte, Spring 2005

Rib Stitch

Sandra Backlund, a swedish fashion designer, is well known for her origami inspired knitwear. Much of her knit techniques refer back to those I have studied. Tubular knitting and ribbing can be easily identified within her designs. I love how she creates volume and form using these patterns and techniques.

 

Hussein Chayalan is a fashion designer I greatly admire. His designs continue to blow me away every season. His collections are all about form and using various media. His work entails much thought and careful consideration.

Lady Gaga is a fan of Hussein Chayalan's designs. She is found wearing many of his designs to different celebrity events making a well known contemporary designer.

Here, I started to experiment on the mannequin different ideas and designs using my three fabrics. I found the process very helpful as i was able to see how the garments became a reality and how they responded with the body. The leatherette was definitely my favourite material to work with as it seemed to do what you told it to do. It enabled me to seek form in my designs.

Final line up

 For my final line-up, I wanted to make sure that each of my six looks varied in lengths and were made up of different garments.However, it was vital that they each of them resembled one another regarding shape and form.

I absolutely loved Mary Katrantzou's spring/summer collection 2011 especially her signature piece, the lamp shade skirt. The skirt's form and textile print worked beautifully. I favour Katrantzou as a fashion designer as she continously produces unique and aesthetic pieces that are wearable at the same time.

At the begining of week one, I selected a series of butterfly images to record any shapes and the colours present. I then chose two shapes that created a multitude of possiblities for me and my designs. I did alot of cross referencing to make my designs more visually interesting and appropriate. Using chosen sources, I made up a few colour stories.

Fred Eerdekens is a belgian artist that sculpts space from lights, objects and shadows. 

Focusing on the torso of the mannequin, I wanted to make a series of  wire torsos basically because I like working with wire and wanted to make a 3D sculpture. I positioned them beside artificial lighting and recorded them visually through digital media to capture the sillouettes/ shadows caused from this piece.