Every since I have heard textiles being referred to as ‘soft engineering’ it has given me a lovely new perspective of how I view my own thinking, making and material process. This bursary project is toward my maker research which I have named ‘Thinking…Construction’. Involving skills sharing and collaborative discussion with craftspeople who are working with form, and materials relating to woven construction. My aim is to emmerse myself in further experiences of ‘making by hand’ and various construction techniques which may sow seeds for new ideas and inform my own on-loom woven textile practice. This is not about deeply learning new specialisms but playful experimentation of making processes and ideas with are ‘new to me’. Along the way I hope to experience some thoughtful discussion around haptic making, material sensitivity and more. So here goes…
My first attempts at the ‘twining’ basketry technique where two ‘weavers’ are crossed over eachother (twisted) as they are woven through the ‘spokes’ (if I have the correct term?). I can’t help but think of them as warp and weft; the warp being the material in which you weave the weft into the build your structure. Here I am working with white paper yarn which has a lovely stiff yet pliable substance to it.
These tests are mini as I only have so much space in my studio. However saying that I do hope to construct some full sized pieces. As I do love a basket!
I must be honest I had not heard of a knitting dolly until I was recently given one. I think it is a great little no-fuss, simple, tool. Mine reminds me of a smily chess piece. I began a little exploration using various yarns including linen, paper, and cotton. As these materials have little elasticity the process was a little slower. The more open, imperfect outcomes have potential .
There are possibilites to create a “yarn” using this process which I could then weave with…..? The idea is clearly possible however the knack would be in getting the two processes to complement each other well, and the French knitted yarn not looking like an out of place add-on to the weaving.
Thinking Construction – NETTING
I found a sweet old booklet on Netting techniques and decided to give the basics go. Its lovely what simple knotting techniques can do. I’m also trying out fishing net techniques which are a little more complex, simple yet interesting construction. A mindful process with potential for much further experimental development.
In relation to weaving this makes me think about double and triple netting, a bit like double and triple cloth weaving, also consideration to knotting warp threads on or after weaving on-loom. Makes my mind whiz with ideas!
