Mon 30^th Jan – Thurs 2^nd Feb, 2017

     After receiving the trimmings I ordered from Abakhan, I then had a body of new and interesting things that I could combine with my weaving. So far I have found that some of trimmings are a bit too shiny or bulky for the kind of appearance I am going for – however they do work well and compliment my colour scheme; and it’s interesting to compare those textures to the more matte, flat yarns. I have found that I have produced quite a few samples and so cut them off to start to use them to develop my work further. I scanned in my samples to play about with them and take sections to try and create new ideas to recreate on the loom. In doing so, I found that I had more of a clear direction with where I wanted the samples to go. I am still experimenting with this and new techniques on the loom so it’ll be interesting to see what else I can produce in the next couple of weeks.

                In terms of new techniques I have been learning about ‘Scotweave’ and ‘Dobby Design’ to start to create drafts before I weave them; so that I am able to see them before they’re produced. Although this is a new programme to me I am hoping to develop the skill more and use it more often. Another technique I have learnt, which I have been trying and testing rigorously, is introducing an extra weft. It appeals to me because it is more complicated and technical than some of the patterns I have been using so far. I am very enthusiastic about understanding all that is possible to do on the looms and am practicing these new processes at every opportunity. I am hoping to soon try working with two extra wefts and perhaps even temporarily changing my warp.

                Although I have produced some samples that I don’t particularly like all that much, it’s enthralling to compare those that I do like against them – even more so, noticing that people seem to enjoy the ones that I am not as pleased with. Currently I am focusing a lot more on colour proportions and colour blending. The samples are beginning to look more refined and deliberate which can be seen throughout all the work I have produced thus far.