Other Weavings

I have felt inspired to try some weaving which isn't suggested in the assignment.

A friend and colleague who lives in North West Scotland sent me a circular weaving frame. I did two circular weavings. 

The first I experimented with using a range of textures. The result was quite an uneven piece, but I find it pleasing, loving the colour combinations, I find the piece vibrant.

The second, I experimented with leaving the warp threads unwoven in places, making patterns by tying them in places. I can see I'd need to count and plan more if I was to do this again to make a more "accurate" piece.

I cut a piece of branch from my woodstore and used the wood as a frame. I cut notches in the frame to set up the warp thread, then wrapped and wove, using autumnal leaf colours. I love this piece, and if I had the time I'd do more, maybe into a larger branch. Unfortunately I shan't post it to show my tutor, as it doesn't fit comfortably into the bag I need to send.

Several years ago I taught myself diagonal weaving, and was inspired to revisit the skill and make a basket. I chose vibrant colours and added texture with collage and stitch.

 

Another experiment - painting fabric inspired by a photo, then weaving into it. This was fun to do.

I have enjoyed the work of Alice Fox for some years now. Last year I saw some of her work at the Stroud International textiles Festival - she'd woven into rusting items.

I decided to have a go at this technique. I wove rusting nails into two small woven pieces. I did these last July.

 

I dipped the pieces in vinegar, to activate the iron. I have left the pieces on a board in my basement, and have every so often checked them out, to see if the rust is spreading to the woven fabric. The process is very slow!

Here are photos of the two pieces, taken this morning, nearly 9 months on. They haven't worked as well as I'd hoped, I'd hoped for there to be more decay of the fabric, cased by the rust.