Originally looking at William Morris, his prints and embroidery in 'Create a Collection' progressing into studying Victorian lace and hand crafts like crochet in my Pre-Collection, specifically the use of lace in fans in the 19th and 20th centuries and the textures often featured in them.
Growing up surrounded by countryside, I think I have always been influenced by nature and I feel I have an affinity with my subject matter and developing the same theme felt natural. After researching the different shapes and styles of fans, I have decided to experiment with techniques such as Dubied pleats to create the folds and structure of fans, and using a lace carriage, elastic and needles out of action to re-interpret the patterns and delicacy found during my research.
Continuing with the soft pink and electric blue from my initial work I have decided to add a turquoise to complement the two other colours and to add vibrancy. From my research of 1920s fans, I have decided to make texture a large feature of my work, using mohair yarns, which can be teased and eye lash yarns.
I want to achieve a collection which portrays my own contemporary and bold spin on William Morris and the lace, textural fans which have become my inspiration through knitwear. I want to create samples and garments which will be simple in shape but fun, delicate and texturally driven.