First of all I had to decide which seasons I was working towards - so I chose Autumn/Winter 2010/11. Then looking at the various trend predictions I had to chose a colour palette. Well I'm not a muted neutral sort of girl....
Having picked my colours I've played with proportions.
Then another decision... which company/designer would I like to work for? I found this really difficult - Westwood? Versace? Chanel? Galliano?... or perhaps I should think about the High Street chains - Topshop? Monsoon? Miss Selfridge? In the end I picked the Spanish company Desigual whose designs are made for embroidery and print... and bright colours!
And then yet another decision... a research theme. To provide some continuity I picked something I have researched in previous modules - Fastenings with a focus on revealing and concealing and in particular on buttons. And so began days of research in books and on the internet on various aspects of buttons.... including Pearly Kings and Queens...
and Dorset buttons which I think are gorgeous!
And in the evenings when I've been too tired to do any more research I've taught myself how to make Dorset buttons.
And now over the past few days I've begun some design development based on my research, mostly printing on paper...
Looking at repeating circular patterns.
But also putting digital prints onto fabric.
And stitching onto paper.
I'm still a long way from producing a Gina Ferrari collection for Desigual but I don't feel quite so overwhemed as I have for most of January!
It's all looking so fantastic Gina! I particularly love those circles of buttons that you have digitally printed! Lucy x
ReplyDeleteWow! looking good Gina! I like the digital prints of bottons on fabric.
ReplyDeleteBTW there are some gorgeous examples of Dorset buttons in the Riverslade Gallery in Saffron Walden.
Well done for pushing through the barrier.
Celia
x
Nice work!
ReplyDeleteJust love the Dorset buttons.
Vicky x
i love following the process with you...
ReplyDeleteDorset buttons are new to me - they're lovely!
ReplyDeleteGoodness I do love that digital print onto fabric - did you do that with gocco? I am such a dunce with these things.
I'm so glad things feel a little clearer and chirpier - all those beautiful colours should certainly help!
Emma
xxx
goodness Gina, that is soo amazing - i love following your processes and am excited to see your collection!#Those are also my favourite colours!!
ReplyDeleteMy friend tamsyn has been doing workshops on dorset button making - if you want to see what she's done i think its www.tamsyng.co.uk - she just trying to add to her website - she also on my sidebar.
xx
Such lovely work, how could you think about giving up! Your Dorset buttons are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour colours are fantastic. Your designs are great. And if you ever do get that 'collection' I will be queuing up to buy something. TizDuster.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've got your mo and your jo back! Really like the cotton reel printing and the Dorset Buttons. There is a really neat booklet sold at the Dorchester library on the buttons if you'd like me to pick one up for you?
ReplyDeleteAs usual its a treat to watch your process. My brother recently introduced me to Desiguel. He bought his wife a coat.Then when I did the Fair in Teddington I saw a woman wearing one.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of that designer label but I'll save up for a Gina Ferrari! Love Dorset buttons - they are so elegant as well as functional. Your work load sounds horrendous but I'm sure you'll cope and you have certainly made a brilliant start on this new module. Best of luck with it.
ReplyDeleteAnother one here who loves the digital prints! Wonderful to see your work evolving.
ReplyDeleteWow Gina - you have been busy! I just love Desigual after discovering thier shop in Barcelona on holiday. They use the most fantastic combinations of colours and textures which are quite eye-popping.I bought one of their t-shirts which also used some of their trademark text... in Spanish... which I dont speak... it could say ANYTHING lol!
ReplyDeleteCant wait to see what you come up with!
Brilliant work but joy oh joy, more Dorset Buttons, I just love them. So good to see.
ReplyDeleteI love the way your projects come together. Your course sounds so interesting and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteLovely colours and design.
ReplyDeleteDorset buttons keep popping up, they are great fun to make.
You seem well on the way with your course, it will be interesting to watch what you do.
Ooooh I do love your 'thought process' blog posts like this. So FASCINATING as usual! xx
ReplyDeleteEveryone has said it all ,fantstic your Mo jo is on overdrive , golly gosh wow ...love Jan xx
ReplyDeleteI'm with Heather, I'll start saving now for a genuine Gina Ferrari! Well done for all this great work. Did you treat the fabric before you printed on it?
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see that you are now back on a roll. Good to see you today, hope everything gets sorted out.
ReplyDeleteGina, I love it ..... all of it! Love the colours, love making Dorset Buttons, love stitching circles, love the B&W print on fabric and, so I've heard (long before my time) my gt (or gt gt) grandfather had a Pearly King outfit! x
ReplyDeleteWow, you have been busy! I adore the last image, your stitching on paper. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the Dorset Buttons in the Riverslade Gallery in Saffy?
Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I know nothing about a degree in Embroidery but reading your post it sounds facinating, but alot of work.
ReplyDeleteHow much fun to see your design process procedes from hop to hop. Thank you for your generosity!
ReplyDeleteCan you believe that this New Yorker actually knows what Dorset buttons are, and has amongst her piles of needlecraft materials, a little starter kit for making these buttons. I keep waiting for the proper time to start those buttons.
You've just given me another push! Thank you. xo
Oooh, it looks so fun! Those dorset buttons look fantastic -- I've always wanted to make some. Looks like you're having a great time -- glad you found your mojo!
ReplyDeletefantastic body of work Gina and it really takes me back to my Uni days!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a relief when ideas start getting down on paper isn't it Gina? I could research forever and not actually do anything concrete, but you are on your way now. Fascinating project this one - keep posting on it if you get time please x
ReplyDeleteFascinating post, thankyou for sharing it. I didn't know any thing about dorset buttons... Stick with the studying, it will be worth it. Completed my degree with toddler & working full time, flippin hard work at the time, but has paid off.....
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Love Lydia
Isn't that first starting step the very very hardest? Its all looking great. I had no idea those buttons were called dorset buttons - I'm to do some research of my own...
ReplyDeleteI like Dorset Buttons too! But if you need a good e-bay site for crystal buttons just let me know. See I knew buttons were included in textiles, I thought I WAS GOING INSANE.Hope you know what I'm refering too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you've got your Mojo back, hope I find mine soon.
Mx
Pleased that sanity is retuning. Ignore that hideous, mean ironing pile, it is just jealous that its mojo is still in hiding.
ReplyDeleteFascinating as always to see the disciplined process you develop - anything to do with buttons gets my vote!
ReplyDeleteHi, just a quick warning , I have had to delete my blog cocoa and blankets, I got a terrible virus which has crashed my computer and left it ruined, I didnt want anyone else to get the virus, so please dont post any chinese comments. I have set up a new blog on
ReplyDeletehttp://helen-lambert.blogspot.com/
please pass this on its very serious if you get it...I had tons of virus protection as well!!!
love H
wow gina this is soooo interesting. and your work is looking seriously fab!
ReplyDelete(my grandparents had a button shop.. "la casa del bottone", it was a treasure cove for us children growing up)
You are so clever that blog was so interesting fabulous thanks for sharing with us all.
ReplyDeleteWhat an educational post ... at least for me. I too love Dorset Buttons and am so impressed that you made some yourself. Looks like you've been very busy, but it's all very exciting and rather inspiring. x
ReplyDeletelooking good Gina. Are you up for a trip to the see the quilt exhibtion at the V&A with the degree girls?
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are back on form, the buttons are so interesting. Best wishes for all that lovely work you are doing.
ReplyDeleteGina, this is wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteI found your entire post fascinating and delightful to look at and think about. Thanks.
I have never heard of Dorset buttons before.
It's good to keep up with your progress here - I'm passing on an award. You can see find out about it here
ReplyDeletehttp://todays-journal.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-surprise.html
There are some lovely ideas about buttons. Which module is this?
ReplyDeleteI've managed to loose my link page on my blog to I can''t see yours so easily !!
Lovely post Gina. I would loveto sit and look through your sketch books, Ibet they are wonderful! The cotton reel prints work really well, especially the digital design. I am working (still) on my SEED sketch book which is a project with the Embroiderers Guild.
ReplyDelete