What is the technique
Fabric of Thread
This method requires the use of threads, sewn and interlocked with one another to create a specific type of fabric that resembles lace.
What are the relevant materials needed for the technique
Water-soluble stabiliser
Decorative threads/ Sewing threads/ Yarn/ Trimminngs
Sewing machine
Bowl of water
Sewing pins
UV resistant clear acrylic spray
Object to mold into shape (optional)
How to achieve the technique
Cut out the desired size of the water-soluble stabiliser but keep in mind that the piece should be doubled in size as it needs to be folded into half. Lay out the water-soluble stabiliser on a flat surface. Select the threads and trimmings (any thickness) I want to use. Then, arrange or layer the threads and trimming on the stabiliser to form my own design, making sure I leave the other half of the stabiliser empty. Once satisfied, I fold over the empty half of the stabiliser, covering and sandwiching my design and secure it using a couple of pins. Using the sewing machine, I sew it in a net-like pattern to interlock the threads and trimmings together and this can be done as many times depending on how interwoven I want it to be. When it is secured, place your design in a bowl of water and gently rinse away the water-soluble stabiliser. This can be done a few times, depending on how stiff or malleable I want it to be, with more washes making the fabric of threads more malleable. Lastly, pat dry the fabric of threads with tissue and lay it out on a flat surface or mold it to another object to create a shape and leave it to dry.
What are the uses and applications of the technique
Photos
Own personal reflections
I thoroughly enjoyed using the soluble stabiliser to create a fabric that was intricate and delicate at the same time. The fact that you could use control and deicide what materials to use to create this “fabric”, allowed for experimentation as seen above that I did not use one particular type of material. I experimented more later on by hand sewing on pearls and i was surprised that id managed to work.
What is the technique
Plastic fusing
This method requires melting or fusing different types, colours and shapes of plastic together to create a fabric that is waterproof and somewhat resembles lace when holes are created from melting the plastic.
What are the relevant materials needed for the technique
Plastic bags
Bubblewrap
Plastic ribbons
Baking paper
Iron
How to achieve the technique
From the collection of plastic that I have amounted, I selected different pieces based on texture or colour and arranged them in a way I liked. I sandwich these pieces between two pieces of baking paper and lay a heated iron over the baking sheets. Move the iron around and constantly check on the plastic to ensure that it is fusing properly and not burnt and once I like the way it has fused, remove the iron and lets the plastic cool down.
What are the uses and applications of the technique
Photos
I tried fusing the plastic with a furry type of yarn and it created a sort of plastic pillow as the fur became the “stuffing”. Also I originally wanted the plastic to melt more so that the furry yarn could peek through but sadly the plastic did not want to melt any further.
Own personal reflections
Similar to the fabric of thread, plastic fusing allowed me to experiment with different textures and colours to create colourful pieces of work. It was also a learning experience as I originally thought all plastic would fuse/melt and create holes but from my experiments, some plastic melted only to stick to each other. I really preferred the plastic that fused and melted to create holes because it gave this sort of edgy, modern lacework which was delicate yet durable. Additionally, I really like the idea of using plastic whom most of us see as a one use item and create another life out of it. It’s such an eco-friendly idea and makes me rethink if I need another plastic item for an example, a raincoat, if I can actually make one myself!