Fossilisation in Nature
This project has explored the aesthetic beauty of fossilisation in nature, and has particularly focused on the patterning from various types of fossils such as agates, ammonites and fossilised sea lilies. The main inspiration comes from the beautiful outer patterning of the fossils to the inner cavities that can hold interesting qualities such as crystallization and a melting pot of striking colours. Visual research through strong imagery of different patterning within fossils has inspired to using techniques such as racking/variation swing and hooking up stitches on the double bed to create a honeycomb pattern. Strong visual patterning combined with a sophisticated use of colour has been at the centre of this design project. Therefore the aim of this project was to produce a wearable collection of knitwear that is unique, aesthetically beautiful and recreates the interesting patterning and coloration that can be found within a rare and striking fossil.
The main colours used throughout the collection include pastel tones, soft pinks, greys, navy blue, turquoise, red, purple and light blue. The unique blend of yarns consists of knitting with 1 end of 60/2 silk, 2 ends of 2/28 cotton, 5 ends of very fine viscose and 1 end of 2/17 lambs-wool, together at a time. Changing colours constantly to create a beautiful varied hue. Plaiting these yarns with 1 end of lambs wool creates a double-sided fabric with colour and patterning on one side and a soft grey lambs wool on the right side of the garment. In each garment the colour and pattern on the inside has been designed to fold over as either lapels or a snood/cowl neck so the colour and pattern becomes visible in a sophisticated way instead of being visible all over.
A standard gauge double bed domestic machine was used to produce a medium weight fabric for Autumn/Winter 2013. Techniques that have been used as well as racking and hooking up stitches on double bed to produce a honeycomb pattern, include plaiting, embroidery, blanket stitch, ribbing, fully fashioning, and a 5 colour jacquard on a 12g electronic Shima machine.
Each item is unique and one of a kind, the variation of colour and hand embroidered trims add a beautiful and luxurious touch whilst using high -end materials such as silk and lambs wool. The collection is also based around classic, generous, comfy shapes and big hoods/snoods taking inspiration from the way ammonites’ envelope into themselves and have an outer protective shell with beautiful patterning on the inside. This is also why plaiting has been used to create a double- sided fabric, and to create the correct weight of fabric for Autumn/Winter 13.
Email: beckz_humphris@hotmail.com
