Textile Design

In May 2024 I completed a Textile Design certificate through Harper College. During this study an emphasis was put on the creation and uses of different styles, historically as well as looking towards new technology. I created designs executing them on knitting machines and looms to understand the process used in fabric making. Additional time was spent dyeing with natural and synthetic dyes, surface design through digital and traditional methods, and embellishment.

Hawaiian Pattern Repeat

I originally made these for a pattern in a 'Mid Century Modern Hawaiian' themed contest on Spoonflower. You can see the pattern here.I liked them better on their own, I used Hawaiian flowers and birds for inspiration. Adobe Illustrator 2017.

After making it I did order some fabric with it to make a baby blanket for my daughter, it was completed with a similar loose weave cotton that I hand dyed using shibori resist.

Weaving

I learned to use a 4 shaft loom (from yardage calculation and warping to finishing) during a 16 week course. I learned to weave plain, mutliple twills and then focused on overshot where I created my own drafts and patterns.

Knit Design

I learned to use a knitting machine and now own several as it is wonderful for creating samples. My focus was on stranded knitting (fair isle) patterns, I enjoy a graphic knit and designing them from scratch. I also hand knit and crochet.

Surface Design

I explored surface design with traditional methods like screen and block printing. I used my illustration background.