Bright colours on neutral ground

The contrast between the anemones and the ground are more successful than the peony.

Studio Presentations with Mary Stark - Reading my work

I've been making edges in my work from the first black and white drawing, 

how did I miss it for so long?!! I'm finally getting what it means to read my work.

• Pin / photograph my samples on a manikin.
• Consider stitching onto a printed surface. 

Jenny Wilson has developed a clear idea about creating collections of samples and has sourced some beautiful fabrics from London. Although my dying has been successful I would like some pre-dyed fabrics to work on as
I find the dying process unpredictable and slow.

Fashion fabric samples by Jenny who takes her inspiration from natural forms

Tulips

I was hoping the frilliness of my tulip drawing would translate well into cut stitch especially as the petal stitches are horizontal like the original trim I made. It seems to have lost the fluidity of the drawing. 

I noticed that parrott tulips also feature in the trends for 12/13. 

• Try without gold thread on a coloured, neutral ground.

Using a bright colour palette

I like the effect of the alternate cut lines and the colours but they don't work as well as Tricia Guild or Mary Katrantzou's palettes which have more neutral contrasts.

• Use less metallics and contrast with neutral grounds.

Matthew Williamson in Conversation with Colin McDowell

Sadly no images of Williamson's work but an interesting insight into collaborative working with high street chains and the financial challenges of the fashion industry. 

Matthew Williamson A/W 2012

Breakthrough!

Satin lines on the bias, a joyful combination of blue, lime green and red, which I'm really pleased with!
I'm planning to try a rouleaux effect so that the backing fabric can't be seen.

The gold makes the red more vibrant, which works well.

Horrockses' dress 1953 V&A

• Focus on satin, obi and piping stitch working on a large scale initially, avoid flat fill stitch. 
• Develop designs for flowers using Horrockses dresses for reference.
• Use motifs at different scales and colour palettes to create new designs.
• Lines - rouleaux 

Dying grounds for stitching

silk organza, wool crepe and wool flannel.