1st sample of dog wool made into hat ...

The first sample of spun dog fur (the mixed GSD fur) which produced a yarn rather like a slightly fluffy DK.

Coarser & thicker than I really wanted, I decided it was ideal for a knitted ribbed hat - this is the result (left as finished - right with brim turned up).

NOTE: Colour differences re yarn & hat are result of photography

Using Dog Fur ...

Over numerous years, I have collected 'combings' from our long-haired German Shepherd with an intention to use it in some way.  Having a double coat, generally after combing, the contents looked like this close-up:

Over a 14 year period, I had collected over 1.5kg & decided to get some of it spun (click here to find out details) after sorting the 3 main colours of the fur into light, medium & dark shades:

Light fur - generally from belly, inner legs & 'GSD trousers'

Medium fur - main body sides & ruff

Dark fur - upper back

Apart from knitting the yarn, I also intend to make some of it into felt.

Kaleidoscope patchwork ...

I've finally finished this Kaleidoscope patchwork sample. Initially begun a few years ago, the last triangle was finally added.

In total 7 different fabrics were used: 3 patterned, 1 stripe, 3 plain.

Unfortunately there was only sufficient fabric for the sample hexagon - made from 6 triangles (as below).

7 strips were made randomly, then joined together to form a triangle. 6 triangles were then joined to form the hexagon above.

It was a "surprise sample" begun to see what happened when patterned fabric was formally patchworked together. The result was very inspirational!

Lace mesh in progress ...

 A 'lace' mesh is also underway - more details @ the Stitcherydoodaa studio

Mess or mesh !!! ...

Some scraps & off-cuts have been free machine embroidered to create a 'mesh' - other images can be viewed if you click here

Cell sample begins ...

 The first part of the cell sample (above right) has just been finished - it's creative beginning was a computer generated image (above left). To see more on the stitching of this, click here

The next stage is to have it "encased" in some sort of mesh - this is to begin soon with some more small "stitched" samples.

Hologram & a Quilt ...

Some hologram card reminded me of my 'Cathedral Window' quilt experiment - although not quite the same material, it lends itself well to this textile technique.

Cell sample ideas ...

Some other 'cell' samples using machine embroidery:

Hat stitching techniques suitable for cells ...

One of my hats was made using dyed net & then enhanced with beads & various hand embroidery - its appearance is very cellular.

Re-using "repeating" old samples ...

In my 'odd samples' box for reworking/resurrecting, I came across this.  (Something I personally discovered many years ago, was to keep old samples & techniques unsuited for a current project as it may be something suitable for another later on!)

It's basically a 3D collage in papers & paint - the background (the carpet) also (now) included within the imagery. I've found several processes repeating themselves within the way I'm working & feel it to be of some significance.

Samples for machine embroidered 'cells' ...

Working on some curtain headings inspired some initial thoughts on machine embroidery in the context of my current 'cells' project. Having a few oddments to hand, they were ideal for some first samples & experiments especially as the fabrics are lightweight & ideal for distressing.




Here's the circles of fabric cut away from a test swatch when adding rings to my curtains. With the addition of the double layer of sew-in interfacing, these swatches are ideal for machine embroidery etc.









Here I've cut away some sections - holding up to the light, they are perfect starting points for my 'cells' I'm working on. I've also some ideas for further working - but can't get to do it til next week!





I've added some water colour to these samples & quite like the effect that's being achieved. More ideas stemming from this will also have to wait until next week.

Luminosity result ...

Sampling + thoughts of 'transparency' have inspired this & a few other computer enhanced images.

Cell luminosity in progress ...

In the studio yesterday, the tissue & paper sample had dried from last week & was ready to work on although I was a little apprehensive regarding whether it was going to achieve what I hoped. I used some crayons & ink & left it to dry for a while.

Above is how I then saw it but knowing something more would appear under specific lighting, I photographed the next step! (sorry for the orange & green 'bits' beyond the black paper upper right, but its not part of the design!)

Flourescent colours & better than expected ! ...

2 samples I'm using for transparency & 'lighting' effects - the upper one is with plastic; the lower with fluorescent colours

Buttons pinned in polystyrene ...

Modern buttons pinned or wired on polystyrene block

Using utility stitches ...

Rows of different utility stitches worked in various colours

& some worked on cotton gingham

Photocopying onto silk ...

Photocopies onto fine silks

Encapsulating textile & papers ...

Above: Encapsulated photo in fine plastic using various utility stitches

Encapsulated paper & photos between various sheer fabrics with addition of machine embroidery

Couching machine use ...

A variety of cords & knitting yarns are couched (surface stitching) onto net

Utility stitches on gingham ...

Selected utility stitched worked on cotton gingham