Unit x: Evaluation

I have used unit x as a continuation of working progress from the previous unit. The idea of fusing tradition with contemporary is something that has fuelled my work. Using geometric forms and vivid eye catching colours together with traditional techniques of patchwork and quilting has allowed me to produce quilted forms with a contemporary aesthetic.

I have proceeded with the Gawthorpe live project which will result in a piece of work being chosen and exhibited at the knitting and stitching show. Having this as the context for my work has greatly influenced my choices in terms of; scale and edging, as work produced for the show will have to be of a professional standard. For hand in I will have a set of finished quilts and a set or working quilts.

My development throughout this project has been constant and steady. There are clear links and connections from the initial inspiration of the Bauhaus movement, Gawthorpe quilt work and personal initial drawing with my final outcomes. 

Bauhaus inspiration

Quilted geometric form

I have improved my critical and analytical skills within this unit, as seen through the blog. For example, the quilter stitched out singular triangles and then secured them. This process left me with built up stitch areas and having to reprogram after each shape. To eradicate this I created my own continuous triangle design on the stitch software, this process was quite difficult however the new stitch took the time from three to two hours to stitch out. I also found quicker ways of creating patches which shortened the cutting out stages slightly.

This unit has allowed me to refine my skills and develop my knowledge of edgings. I was struggling to edge my quilts without losing the sharp corner however after trial and error as well as researching I found a way using binding. This has allowed my work to be finished to a higher standard relevant with stitch show.

bias binding corner

bias binding corner

I have created my work primarily for the stich show, however they also fit into the higher end interior context due to the contemporary aesthetic. Places such as HAY and Pentreath &Hall are the context where I see my work due to the one off nature of the quilts. Falling into both retail and crafts contexts gives me more opportunities as a practitioner to get my work seen but also be able to create an income.

HAY Interiors

Knitting and Stitching show

In terms of the future I am hoping to become a secondary teacher however I would still continue with quilt making and have shown my professionalism by researching into how other quilt makers sell their products privately as seen on my blog. I have priced up my own quilt in terms of material, this is something I will look into more in the future.

I have created a portfolio with drawing and patch plans as well as setting up an Instagram and website to give myself an online presence. This will allow my work to be seen on a variety of platforms which will increase my chances of networking online possibly leading to collaborations and jobs in the future. I have also sent my CV off for a teaching job starting in September.

Textiles Instagram account

Textiles Website

After university I plan to exhibit my work at the Knit and Stitch show and keep up to date online. Once established I plan to buy a private domain to give a more professional feel for prospective job opportunities.

finalized quilt

Finalized quilt

finalized quilt