Olivia Lee

I found this work done by Olivia Lee, she spent her childhood in Singapore “wanting to be many things: an artist, a writer, a scientist, an architect, an inventor, a businesswoman, a tailor, an interior decorator, an illustrator, a photographer, a comic strip artist, a spy and at one point a wilderness survival specialist.”

Based in London, she currently works for Sebastian Bergne whilst running her own independent projects. She has worked on a diverse range of projects and it is evident that her creative side has an influence within her work.

http://www.olivia-lee.com

This chair fascinates me. I love the craft aspects how it looks like it’s been knitted or crochet. I think I am so inspired by this chair because it involves similar colours that I have used within my colour palette and texture of one of my wools.

TAKE TWO-FINGERS CROSSED

I am currently in the process of toiling my second design. I am using a combination of hand knitting and the domestic knitting machine.

Here is a big sample I knitted up at uni on the domestic knitting machine.
it is so quick and relatively easy to do compared to the time hand knitting takes.

Earlier on in the semester I was looking at how different materials can make a garment look interesting. I did a sample of using very fine sewing thread, and knitted it up on small neddles, which looked like very holey/open lace tights. Inspired by that I tired a different way. I used shirring elastic and knitted that up.

The next dress consist of using variations of hand knitting with the cotton/acrylic yarn, machine knitting (sampled in green but will be in black) and black hand knitting shirring elastic. (Illustrated below.)

The calico toile- i really like the overall design in a woven fabric because it has that structural element. i hope it works in knit. so FINGERS CROSSED.
The first steps to drafting-

IT’S A working progress.

I’ve been a bit lazy with posting updates however I have been busy KNITTING.

After choosing my fabrications-wool, I was happy to finally start my designs. This is what i'm using! the blue/grey is so beautiful and soft hence the 70% ACRYLIC and 30% MILK, how
ever when its rubs against other stuff its starting to become very furry, (something i hate!! thats why i didnt choose 100% wools). the white is 70% BAMBOO AND 30% COTTON again has a soft hand, altough tends so drape more, and the other two balls natural colour and the black is 40% ACRYLIC ans 60% COTTON my fav, except driven my insane as Patons is discontinuing this product, i have called up every store across melbourne in desperate need to get more, however i was lucky enough to get my hands on some and bought many many balls! so i will be very very busy knitting KNITTING KNITTING.

The dress is fully knitted and comprised of several panels to assist with shape and fit of the body.
Overall I am happy with the result, however the seam running horizontally (dropped waist seam) detracts the eye from the overall dress, breaking it into distinct sections, bodice and skirt, this is something I will consider in the next designs which will flatter the design and the models waist line.

Here are a few images in progress.

Weighing the pieces before putting together to work out costing, by working out how much the garment weighs and how much yarn used. (It is heavy)

SNEAK PEAK OF THE GARMENT
(back view)

right on track

i have put together a inspirational/ Colour palette /theme mood board, when ever i feel stuck i flip to this page. IT keeps ME on the right track and direction with my knitwear range .

Clare Tough

Searching the web I came across the work of Clare Tough, a young English fashion designer. From her designs it is evident that her knitwear has really prevailed and signifies her individual label. I was fascinated by how she uses different weights and textures that relates back to each season. I love the light and subtleness of her summer collections, the bold and more abstract pieces from her winter range. I can draw similarities to Sandra Buckland’s work especially within this jumper.

http://www.claretough.co.uk/fashion/?page_id=39

But what I love about her work is that it is so wearable, I have been looking into the report and trying to understand how my work will relate back into the “business model” as our “CRAFT STUDIO” follows along the applied stream. I think Clare Tough’s label is a good example of incorporating a craft technique and taking it to a contemporary level, which sustains to be a very successful and profitable business.