Bike Component Project ~ Interiors

Some of my work from a project I completed during my second year of study, which I have since been developing ~

The theme for this project was anything industrial and/or mechanical. I found my visual inspiration from gear cogs, bike cranks, chains and barb wire.

The shapes and patterns formed by such objects really interests me, especially focusing on bike cassettes and how all the components are constructed and work together.

The fabrics I designed were intended for interiors, examples of which I have included here ~

I incorporated gear shapes in my knitted samples, which I created on my knitting machine. I found this a really effective and rewarding technique as it appeals to my love of constructing.

I have since continued to work with the project theme and have begun to develope my work from knitted samples into pieces for interiors.






This is the first of my final works, although there are many more currently in the creating proccess, so the collection will be expanding in the very near future!

Final Project - Recycling: First Design Work

The beginnings of my experimentations, transforming my sketchbook ideas into reality ~

I have found that flattening the circles with heat is a really effective way of increasing their durability and appearance.

My next move is to extend the use of stitch markings and layering the strips of circles to create neck pieces and collars. Additionally I am going to begin to incorporate laser cut wooden shapes, such as lettering.

Final Project - Recycling: Sketchbook

Some images from my sketchbook to show how my ideas have been culminating...

So far to knit with I have collected a supply of second hand blue carrier bags and a pack of bright yellow, environmentally friendly photodegradable bin liners (second hand too, might I add - a relative who did not want them kindly donated them to my cause!).

Following a trip to Derby's Play and Recycle Centre I came away with bags and bags of resources, including MDF, jigsaw puzzles, a variety of plastic buckle fastenings and lots of interesting plastic lids to work with.

Crazy Horses...

My first experimentation using the electronic function of my Brother Electroknit KH910! Although the horse pattern came with the machine as a single design, the pattern layout and rest of the top is all my own work!

Both the green and black yarn is just a standard acrylic 4 ply and the black hem on top and bottom is ribbed.

Final Project - Recycling

As recycling is an important issue for me, I decided to use it as the basis for my final project. This was an idea I had begun experimenting with during a self-chosen brief in my second year, during which I created knit work using strips of plastic bags and found I could get very interesting and effective results. I immediately knew it would be the perfect theme for my final ever project!

As this is my current project, here's just a few pages of my initial design work so far; using recycled and found materials as the visual basis:




These studies were mainly created using knit, fabon and plastic bags. I plan on continuing my work into wearable designs, mainly in the form of neck pieces/collars. In light of the 'disposable fashion' trend of the moment, why not create fashion pieces from already disposed items?

Recycling Project - Year Two

Here is a sample of products resulting from my first recycling-based project, completed during my second year of study.

I worked with strips of used Sainsburys carrier bags, which I crocheted and knitted with in order to produce a range of wearable and sustainable accessories. I also experimented with applying heat to my work to achieve varied textures and appearances.

Necklaces ~

Crocheted circles, attatched to chain stitch, untreated.One of my first heat-treated results, used here as a singular pendant.Chain necklace, made with 3-D knitted peices, as opposed to the previous flattened circles. Again, heat was used to create the various components. Rings & Corsages ~

Heat treated crochet work, mounted on a metal ring base.

Bisto broach; crochet circle mounted in a recycled bisto lid!Singular corsage, semi-heated, on elasticated band Multi-corsaged bracelet, connected via chain stitched plastic.Belts & Bags ~

Plastic buckle detail, with black elasticated band and popper stud fastening. Knitted plastic belt, with black plastic buckle fastening. I also experimented with using the plastic strips on a larger gauge knitting machines, the results of which I used to create a range of bags; an example of which I have included below. This image is taken of a clutch bag, with crochet circle and popper stud fastening detail.
A year on and all of the products are still lasting strong! A far more resourceful and attractive use of plastic bags then throwing them away and allowing our landscape to become littered!

Mini Project - Year 3

A brief collection of my studies from the second project of my final year; a mini-project lasting around four weeks. I was very much still captivated by the sheer magnificance of the Peking Opera, therefore continued it's use as my visual inspiration, exploring an alternate colour palette which the costumes had to offer.

I wanted to move away from the bold, blockish lines of my previous work with the masks. I focused mainly the on marks that stitch and knitting make; forming the basis for the mask studies in my sketchbook.I still wished to capture the entertainment element in my work, leading to the continuation of the physical mask shapes. My ideas evolved into jewellery designs - mainly necklaces - an few examples of which I have included:
This project was the first time I decided to try working with Fablon, which i really enjoyed, as you can see because it has been used to create every mask shape I worked with out of my knitting! I also experimented with crotcheting wire as well as various combinations of stitch, print, embroidery and wire work.


Although I would not consider this featured pieces as finished products, they are a worthy indication of the creative ideas I feel this project would have been capable of, given more time!