OPEN DOOR – Textile Tales - Week 9

We are creating our final pieces, using all the techniques we have learnt during the project. We are making large wall hangings; combining felted sheep wool, wax with silk, cotton and paper, embellished with embroidery. The ideas are becoming bigger and more adventurous as our textile pieces are physically becoming wider and longer! As the colour dye and wax is applied with more confidence, playful experimenting is taking place and we are sharing ideas and anecdotes.

I’m always so impressed with how the ladies just give everything a go and congratulate each other on their ideas and approach. The ladies have commented how much happier they feel when they are here in the session. Wendy has noticed her hands shake less after the sessions, because she has stretched them and warmed them up. Amarjeet has started embroidering again, something she hasn’t done in years.

Wendy’s imagery is inspired by beautiful illustrations of wild flowers and plants. The illustrations are reminiscent of her botanical drawings she has brought in throughout the weeks to show us. We’ve been thinking about what words might compliment the imagery. Wendy used to write stories for children. She's bringing them in next week to read them to us.

Yvonne is looking at tropical landscapes in the books, which remind her of her hot Jamaica! She’s mixing up bright yellows, pinks and oranges brushio dyes. 

Amarjeet has an extremely steady hand and confidently uses the batik tools to make gorgeous detailed lines and marks on her silk.

Dalip, always excited to push the boundaries of any technique, is embracing ‘the cracking technique’. The cracking effect is fast becoming our favourite batik technique! You cover the entire fabric with wax and then you screw the fabric up into a tight ball and crumble up the wax into your hands allowing cracks to form. With a brush, you dab the ink into the nooks and crannies, then iron the wax out. The effects are stunning. We are beginning to see mountains, clouds, rock pools, wild plants, and serene swallows in our pieces. I feel like giving everybody a round of applause. So I do!

 Bryony