T. J. Eden

Welcome to my e-portfolio where I document the various misadventures I get up to for SDC as a student of TP-ADM

[my-textile-journal]

An overview and introduction to my project

This portfolio covers my various attempts for the Society of Dyers and Colorists competition in which textile creation is key. This is done so through dyeing and manipulating fabrics to get a desirable outcome.

In my project, I explored the literal meaning of the theme “Color and the Universe” and slowly as I went on branched out to the few key concepts that I have now being the stars and blackholes in the galaxy and light and its eccentricities.

The original concept I had in mind had been vastly overhauled way before I even started using this blog. So, if one or two entries seem out of place it is because they probably are. 

Contents

To read my journey from the beginning, scroll all the way down and read from bottom up.

For more specific aspects of the portfolio Either type in these phrases into the search icon to obtain a narrowed down page.

Textile manipulation

Natural Dye

Glow paint

Materials

Colour palette

Process

Prototype

Final

Concept

learning log

proposal

Or, tap the tags below vvv

[my-textile-journal]

A brief reflection

Through this project, I have gained greater understanding over dyes, dying fabrics and textile creation. 

I finally understand why sourcing for sustainable dyes is such a huge issue as just to dye a small amount of cloth, I accumulated about 4 litres of waste that has to be properly disposed of lest it be harmful to the environment.

Yet, I’ve also understood why it is such a challenge to switch. It is because the plant dyes are fugitive (does not last) and takes too much effort to obtain into a workable dye. The results tended to be muted and dull as well. The work that it takes to produce a working dye would also likely be costly. Why work with inferior and more expensive colour when manufacturers can have rich and vibrant colours at a lower price. it would also be easier to use.

I’ve learnt this through my few attempts of varying successes to create my own dye but in the end resorted to using normal dyes.

I’ve also gained a newfound respect to textile manufacturers as creating interesting designs is time consuming.

[my-textile-journal]

Silkscreen print designs

I made these in illustrator after looking at various Einstein-Rosen bridge art with the inspiration images as reference.

[my-textile-journal]

final boards (digital)

This is the digital version of the boards I will be handing up. The ones that will be handed up will have the actual fabric swatches and the tote bag tacked on securely.

[my-textile-journal]

Proposal

My Refined Proposal

My Learning Contract

[my-textile-journal]

Learning Logs

[my-textile-journal]

Completed prototype

I made a small tote bag.

I believe it to be successful. Albeit tiny. But there is an appeal to its petite nature, being that it makes the prints look delicate.

Due to lack of time, I was unable to produce a mockup of the using scrap muslin and had to use the actual fabric straight away.

Due to that, I made a mistake whilst sewing on the straps (sewed it inside out).

[my-textile-journal]

Final swatches

25cm x 25cm swatches:

Unmanipulated.

Manipulated with uneven stitches.

I deeply satisfied with the result of the the blackhole diagrams looking warped and fragmented in a way and it corresponds to my concept very well seeing as blackholes warp the movements of light.

[my-textile-journal]

Totebag pattern

An original pattern that I made.

The bag itself is 23cm by 19cm with 1cm seam allowance.

The straps are 36cm long with 2cm allowance at both ends and 6cm wide folded and stitched down to 1.5cm.

[my-textile-journal]

Final colour palette

Added a red this time :D

From Color Atlas

434-910

433-170

440-180

658-120

328-360

[my-textile-journal]

Prototype sketch

I have decided to make a tote bag as it is a time-efficient endeavour.

I haven't fully decided on the dimensions of the bag as I have yet to complete my final fabric and made certain the amount I can safely use.

Will update when that is done.

[my-textile-journal]

Added the glow paint for that extra flair

I painted on the glow paint in a way that enhances the silhouette of the black hole, giving it more depth.

In the dark however, the fabric will have glowing chips like how stars can only be seen in darkness.

With advice, I agree that it need more glow paint. However, I simply do not have the time.

[my-textile-journal]

Process of dyeing

Tied it up with raffia string in preparation of resist dyeing.

It was at this moment that I realised that I didn't have black. But I forged on regardless

The resist dye was only mildly successful as only some part were lighter in colour. I believe it was because I didn't tie it tight enough.

I decided I will add black when I return to the print shop at school to gain more depth in the colours because currently it is just not galaxy enough yet.

[my-textile-journal]

Refined colour palette

Added a blue, the rest are from my original colours.

From Color Atlas

434-910

433-170

658-120

328-360

[my-textile-journal]

My fabric, almost completed

I am almost done with the textile.

I have tie dyed the muslin and screen printed on it line art of black holes that I drew in Illustrator.

I have chosen to screen print unevenly in black and white to emulate the bending of light that happens in black holes. And the unpredictable and cluttered placement of the black holes is to show how there are many black holes just scattered in the universe.

As expected, I will be needing to repick the colour palette but I believe I was able to achieve some of colours that I've chosen.

All that is left is to add my textile manipulations

[my-textile-journal]

Textile manipulations: Uneven stitches

Started out with muslin about 15x110cm

Pinched and stitched the fabric unevenly to create a wonky texture, bit like how light bends in a black hole.

I came up with this on my own when I was just experimenting for another module and liked how it looked. The effect is somewhat diminished on this lightweight muslin compared to the thicker calico. But I like the texture.

I will be using this manipulation for my final fabric.

[my-textile-journal]

Bought fabric ;)

Calico is nice but I wanted a whiter fabric without going through the effort of bleaching the fabric and then suffering through the headache task of balancing the pH and other aspects of prep work before dyeing.

Calico is also a bit thick for what I had in mind.

[Saturday, July 4, 2020]

I had a mini scavenger hunt down at people's park @Chinatown to find affordable cotton fabric and I ended up back at trusty ol' Malin Textiles to grab 7yds of cotton muslin. The width of the fabric was abt 1m by my eye and when I got home it was indeed close at 1.15m.

Well as the saying goes, more is better than not enough—it is always good to have a stash of extra muslin lying around.

Here is a strip that I tore at the 20cm mark selvedge to selvedge.

It is very perfectly lightweight albeit sheer but I believe after dyeing it would be less so.

I have certified that it is 100% cotton via burn test.