Subtle Changes

My samples are usually quite small so I thought it would be a good idea to try something a bit bigger and also to test my stamina! I started by hand stitching some patches of fabric together.  I am still inspired by the purple tulip colour scheme, but I’ve also added white satin, some beige fabric and a satin and chiffon print.

I started by stitching the white satin and this took some time! This fabric was salvaged from a pair of satin pyjamas that I had for years and really is quite worn! However combined with rows of small stitches, it creates a very pleasing dimpled texture, which I really like, I’m pleased because I wasn’t convinced that it would be good for much!

I think that when working with fabrics it is important to develop an eye for subtlety, as even a whisper of variation can deliver very different results!  – a slightly finer thread, a little bit more sheen on the fabric, the length of a stitch; these very gentle changes when implemented, can really alter the effect you achieve! It took me years to realise the importance of that! Being somewhat impatient and excitable at times, I am working hard at developing that ability to be more and more sensitive to every tiny element.

Lourdes x

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More Tulip Colours and Crochet Lace

Here is some more stitching with fabric scraps inspired by the colour scheme of wilting purple tulips.  The second photo shows what it looks like when overlaid with crochet lace.

I have lots of ideas at the moment of how this could be further explored and I’m pleased with the direction it’s going in as it conveys the pretty, organic and feminine nature of the things I am inspired by at the moment.  It also refers to deterioration and repair.

It can take such a long time to satisfactorily combine different elements of inspiration, especially when there are so many things one would like to include, of course you don’t want to throw everything in but the kitchen sink! I guess tirelessly working towards a balanced look is so much of what design is about.  I often get frustrated at how long it takes and I’m sure I over-complicate things and also change direction far too much.  Creativity is as much a path of self-mastery as the development of certain skills and ability to communicate ideas or aesthetics.  Oh well, all one can do is keep going with the hope that one day everything will come together!

Love Lourdes x