'Order in Chaos'

Evaluation

Time management was a key element of this unit as my attention was diveded between two briefs. I am pleased with the outcomes of both projects, however I believe that my concentration during the first few weeks of the unit was mainly aimed towards developing the Sonia Rykiel branding project. During these weeks little progress was made in terms of developing my self-initiated brief and pushing my concept. Once I had chosen my concept title, 'Order in Chaos' I was able to experiment more in terms of drawing and developing ideas for samples. 

Throughout the duration of this unit I believe that I have explored and developed my work by pushing myself to consider new knitting techniques. Incorporating techniques such as tucking enabled me to achieve a grid effect that coincided well with the ordered side of my concept, create neat rows of squares that contrasted with the stuffed objects. What is lacking in the samples is the movement and fluidity of my drawings, I see them to be too perfectly square and flat in some ways when comparing them to the abstract qualities in my sketchbook. Incorporating techniques such as drop stitch or even linking the samples together would of made them more relatable.

In terms of developing my practice, this unit has benefitted me immensely as my knitting skills have improved, especially on the dubied knitting machines. By trial and error and applying my time weekly I have grown in confidence as I could see the vast improvement in my samples. Practicing techniques in order to obtain a professional finish proved to be a key factor in both my self-initiated brief and the branding project, and I have learnt that it is important to get make mistakes and persevere. The foiling and the beading connects the samples, they bring a unique finish to the collection and resemble the drawn shapes in my drawings.  

Further extensive research in terms of fashion knitwear designers is needed in future briefs as I believe that making the connection between my work and my context will develop my practice. Studying Celiné's spring/summer 2014 collection proved useful as I could put my samples into context, however I believe that my final outcomes had the potential to be stronger in terms of context as research concerning knitwear designers was lacking in the development of my work. If I was to complete this unit again the main aspect of the project that I would do differently would be approaching my concept with more of a specific context in mind, for example putting more thought into who my samples are aimed towards within a fashion context and perhaps having a particular brand in mind when designing. 

In future projects I aim to produce a collection of samples that are aimed towards a wider audience within fashion knitwear as I tend to design samples that are bold and abstract, similar to the knitwear brands Sibling or Walter Van Beirendonck which have a limited and very specific target market. I wish to obtain a wide range of variety in my portfolio, which was the main reason why I kept both projects completely separate and produce very different outcomes in both.