I have learnt many things about myself and the way I work throughout this project. I have realised that my practical work is best when I give myself time to plan my warp thoroughly and use photoshop and scotweave to help generate ideas quickly as this saves mistakes in patterns improving the overall look of the fabric. As the project has spanned over several months, I have found it important to balance my time and work effectively both in the weave workshop and in the studios. Having the learning agreement as a working document has helped focus on each element of the project and the project as a whole, and I think the method of bullet pointing ideas in table form helped me be clear about what I wanted to achieve.
Having visited yarn suppliers throughout the project, I feel I have gained a better understanding of what is available to weavers and what is appropriate for different fabric sampling. I have used more technically advanced techniques on the ARM looms and I have advanced my weaving skills by using the jacquard to create professional fabrics. I feel I have had a good work ethic throughout this project and have found methodical, organised ways in which I feel I work best and I think this shows in the body of work I have produced for the Practice unit.
I found my 3 week work placement at Dashing Tweeds to be a huge turning point in my practical work. The placement helped to give my work a context and the experience of seeing how a professional high end menswear company runs was such a valuable experience. Reflecting on the placement with a written report for my Contextualising Practice unit helped me to assess my current skills and the skills needed to be part of such a successful company.
I am looking forward to developing my context further in Unit X, narrowing down my target market to try and be more specific and specialised. I hope to do this with further contextual research in to the menswear market and develop on my knowledge of industry with a visit to Lancashire Mills.
