Louise kirby Silk Scarves.

Louise Kirby is a commercial designer who produces print samples for fashion houses worldwide.

Graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Arts in 1999, she now runs her own studio in Scotland.

Louise Kirby has been inspired by the bright colours of Marrakesh and Scottish tree bark to produce these beautiful hand made silk scarves.

Images available at http://www.kirbytextiles.com/.

At the beginning of term I produced ten silk scarves for my self initiated brief. I used bright coloured dye and marble paint for texture, I also used discharge paste through screens to form animal prints as a background design. You can see samples of them on one of my blog post, (My own work silk scarves.)

I wasn't inspired by Louise Kirbys designs at the time of making the scarves as I didn't meet her until later on when I visited the Northern Contemporary Crafts Fair, now I am a big fan of her work.

Rebecca Earley

Rebecca Earley researches Textile Environmental Design, and is a reader at the University of Arts London. The images displayed are textile techniques onto fashion that Earley discovered in 1998 called exhaust print, which explores digital and dye sublimation printing expanding from photogram processes.

Recently I have been experimenting with rock salt mixed with heat transfer dyes, the results have been positive creating textures that resemble light peering through the fabric. I have began to research Rebecca Earlys work as my experiments have similarities.

Images available at http://www.beckyearley.com.images/.

Fabric Manipulation

On one of my Previous projects I produced fabric samples for fashion, I was inspired by the forms of mushrooms and fungi. Working with a technique called shibori I have tried to transform silk fabric into something more three dimensional to give added depth for texture.


Mushroom image available from the book, Common and Important Mushrooms by Roger Phillips.


The image on the right is my own photography.

Xmas Card Competition

Last Christmas 2009, all textile students at Stockport College were given a mini brief for a competition. Unfortunately I didn't win, but I like the designs I have created above, especially as I am not that comfortable with computer applications. I really enjoyed designing the Christmas cards and was surprised with the outcomes achieved.

Natural Dye

Experimenting with natural dyes was just a bit of fun really, but I was pleased with the outcome, from boiling a pomegranate cut in half. After boiling the fruit for ten minutes I added white silk to the pan of water leaving the pomegranate in as well.

The colour of the silk fabric turned out quite nice, a kind of cappuccino shade.

Major Project Textile Design

I am continuously inspired by fashion and natural forms. I am especially drawn to the organic colours and shapes of fruit and vegetables. I have developed surface patterns for garments from drawing and photographs.

Recycling a variety of garments, I have deconstructed, introduced, colour, shape, texture, manipulated and printed onto them to make interesting designs for the youth fashion market.

Fruit Fashion

Images available at

http://www.vouge.com/

Researching fashion for Spring/Summer 2011, I have found these fun and quirky garments by fashion designer Carmen Miranda.

For my final major project I have been inspired by the forms of fruit and vegetables like Miranda.

I want to be aware of shape and placement when I print onto fabric, and I think these designs show a good example of this.