The purpose of this exercise is literally as it says on the tin …. creating a techniques file.

This file at this point is not being submitted physically to my tutor as I am aware of its value as I go forward into Assignment 5 and feel it would be more appropriate for it to be seen digitally at this point.

I decided initially to just use a simple sketchbook but at the time of writing have decided when I next go near Hobbycraft or into town to look to purchase an A4 ring binder and some tabs to organise this into a working document that will be useful not just in the coming months but for many years to come and which can be built on accordingly.  I am further considering creating a small index card copy that can be kept on a simple binder ring near my desk to provide inspiration where and when it is required and which can be cross referenced accordingly.

The information contained in the sketchbook is a collection of images or samples from assessed modules (with acknowledgement of this fact) – I found it incredibly interesting to look back and see the wide variety of techniques I have covered with many forgotten in truth and hence this resource has been a useful reminder.

At the point of submitting this assignment I need to add further techniques including screen printing, using resin, mark making and silk painting (the latter I have some experience of but my previously worked samples and stash of silk scraps is currently missing – our kitchen was renovated in the summer months with the under-stairs cupboard, which is my general craft storage area, being used for the relevant packing boxes and hence some of my craft boxes are still in the proverbial ‘safe place).

I also now realise retrospectively that I want to add further annotations, notes and imagery  in order to enhance and build this valuable file – at the point I feel it is looking as I wish it to be I will update this blog accordingly.  I am expecting to also create  a new blog which will be a digital version of this file for clarity both for myself and any viewer including the assessment team.

Lastly as I work further to refine this file I will be adding sketches if I feel they are needed.

Techniques shown below are:

lino cut printing, fabric manipulation, gathering, felting, applique, weaving, ice and ecodying, crochet, use of tyvek and lutradur, macrame, creating fabrics from waste yarn and material, slow stitch and use of found objects.

Having reviewed this blog and my techniques thus far I decided to do some re-organising – partly planned above in that a file has been found and the pages put into clear covers so that further notes on techniques, instructions or samples can be added as when this is relevant.

I also decided to sketch a simple graph which contains information such the technique, type (printing/quilting etc), experience and ‘done’ (i.e. whether I am a total novice or experienced and whether I have done the technique), difficulty (easy through to difficult) and also financial considerations plus any relevant notes – the financial considerations cover purchasing of materials/dyes or equipment with the notes being anything relevant including health and safety awareness.  This graph is something that also serves as an immediate reminder of available techniques plus a selection I wish to try – further notes will be added accordingly.

I rewrote the pages with the techniques adding any instructions, relevant imagery and any notes that I feel are helpful – I am aware I have a library of books too that I can draw on too.  I have kept this folder simple in its format  with sub divisions for differing types of techniques in order for it be a working document that can be built and adapted as my studies and practice progress.

Note: the majority of imagery or samples have been from earlier modules.

The first set of page concentrate on differing forms of printing techniques – block, huichol yarn paintings, mono printing and stencils and includes some basic instructions or notes.  I confess to not being excited with printing as a rule although digital is something I find distinctly more appealing when combined with other techniques.

The second set of techniques cover fabric manipulation including pleating, gathers, shirring, smocking and also slow-stitch with making note of sashiko, kantha, boro and embroidery.  Many of the techniques I have explored either due to personal projects or earlier modules and courses but the differing styles of smocking and shirring are as yet untried ….. I am intrigued by the dimensional qualities of North American smocking which I have some very limited experience of but which I also find immensely frustrating as that same limited experience tells me to follow the pattern very carefully!

The third set of pages contains information on weaving, crochet, macrame and felting – I am aware of the need to add further notes on weaving and also felting as these are techniques I am relatively inexperienced at.  Financial considerations with regards to weaving means it is a technique I have in effect put to one side as I am restricted currently to using a cardboard ‘loom’ or purchasing a very basic small wooden one which experience tells me does not produce the results I would ideally like.  Felting is a further technique although enjoyed is not something I am concerned about pursuing further but is useful to have tried – as with many techniques it is worth at least knowing about!

The fourth set looks at dyeing techniques – this is perhaps an area that has the greatest interest to me and I do have a separate small ring file with small samples of dyed fabrics on it which does need keeping up to date.  I will cross reference these pages with a separate older file from a previous course which has further information techniques and small samples.  I have made note of differing dyeing techniques including solar and eco-dyeing plus using procion dyes – I am restricted to an extent on using dyes of any nature due to my small domestic living space and health and safety considerations so I tend to do more dyeing of fabrics in the warmer months where I can work outside.

Finally the fourth section looks at innovative techniques and materials including using found objects, recycled materials and new materials.  I have simply included imagery of ‘fabrics’ made with thread and watersoluable stabiliser, recycled fabrics and found objects and also tyvek and lutradur …. these pages are more of a reminder to explore playfully recycled and  innovative new materials rather than specific techniques in themselves.

Finally I have made  a short list of further techniques to consider – some are tried and tested and others are being kept in mind although I am looking to purchase some Brusho powders in the coming months as I am intrigued by what I have seen other students do and wondering how I can use them within my work.  I will make further notes on these techniques if and when the need arises and I have explored them.

As stated my file is simple – it does not contain a huge amount of information or instructions but it does serve as a reminder of a series of techniques and skills gained or tried over the course of my studies or in my personal creative adventures.