Denim experiments

We experimented with lots of different ways of using the denim, including making it into yarn. I was particularly keen to explore the potential with this as I felt it would reflect my specialism of knit and play to my strengths.

We encountered several problems with this though. The denim obviously doesn't have as much stretch as a proper yarn so when cut too finely would snap; the edges also frayed like mad with some of the denim which looked messy. We trialled potential ways to overcome these issues, including stitching the yarn and bleaching it, I even tried to ply the yarn together although was unsuccessful.

The most positive outcome was to fold the yarn in half and stitch along with yellow thread. This produced a stronger yarn with one clean edge that contrasted nicely with the softer fray. The sample below is knitted on large needles with an open structure; it could become a blanket or covering for something.

(photo credit: Molly)

Although we all liked the knitted structures, we agreed it would be too time consuming to create a large scale piece, so decided to keep them as samples to visualise potential alternative outcomes. 

We also experimented with crochet and macrame knotting to create potential fastenings or details. 

Re grouping_ idea refinement_ progress!

Returning from three weeks off, we re-grouped and discussed the ideas we had shared on our pinterest board over the holiday. We had a lot of different ideas so reviewed the work and research we had done so far and narrowed down our ideas to two potential outcomes to propose in the upcoming tutorial. We decided on a bean bag style 'awkward' seat and a hanging planter as these best reflect the themes of playfulness, community and sustainability in our manifesto and the brief from the rooftop project.

Feedback from our tutorial was positive, we have decided to focus on using the jeans as our material and Kate and Mark agreed that this would be an interesting way of working. They advised us to really push different processes with the denim and upscale textile techniques so that we are working on a more industrial scale.

Feeling motivated we got stuck into a full on week of work, making samples and developing our ideas. As we had identified the large scale we wanted to work to for the bean bag, Chloe and Molly decided to start constructing this whilst I and Jade worked on the pocket planter idea.

Piecing together sections of the denim, we experimented with different arrangements and made samples to review. Reminded of the way Orsola De Castro works that I had heard about in her connect forum talk; I wanted to explore how we could manipulate the denim to create intriguing compositions.

We kept discussing ideas as we worked alongside each other and joined forces to complete some of the sewing (which was quite a challenge) and as we encountered problems.

(sewing together the 'skin' for the bean bag)

It has been a much faster pace of working than I am used to and we have made a lot of progress in one week. If we keep up the same momentum over the next few weeks we will be able to achieve a lot this project.

the Rooftop Project

Over the weekend I visited the rooftop which we will be designing and making for.
It had a nice adventurous feel to it as you climbed up to access it. You get a great alternative view of the city and defiantly feel removed from the chaos below. I found it interesting to see how other people reacted to the space. There was a real sense of excitement by it and a kind of community spirit, even between people that perhaps didn't know one another. The deck chairs where a particular hit as everyone flocked to them to lie back and relax.