The Design Process

Before the holiday break I wrote a post about developing ideas for weaving. Today I would like to talk about taking those ideas and translating them into actual draft designs.

I let the term "geological nomad" settle with me for a while. I then began to play in my software with some different color combinations and different weave structures.

I have become infatuated with deflected double weave. The idea of using floats to create one pattern and the color to create another. Someone who was a huge influence for me into getting interested with this structure was Margo Selby. She created throws that have beautiful geometric patterns, with soft shadings of color throughout. She transitions from one color to the next with fluidity.

Margo Selby Throw
One of Margo Selby's throws utilizing deflected double weave.

If you remember from my previous post- many of the images I drew inspiration from had subtle color variations in a rich textural landscape.

One of my favorite color and texture transitions.
One of my favorite color and texture transitions.

I love this composition because it combines a soft rugged texture with neutral and bright colors. The following images are some of the design ideas that I have been working through. These would be created with wool into either throws or shawls:

Draw-down 1: plaid deflected double-weave.
This is the first direction taken with my design process. Done in shades of grey- creating a plaid/check pattern. The deflected double weave creates a counter pattern with diagonal, central converging lines.
Draw-down 2: This version has smaller color gradations.
This version has smaller color gradations. This allows for the structure to have a sunburst effect from a central point.
Draw-down 3: This is a stronger gradation down to a central point.
This is a stronger gradation down to a central point. It is a softer look that creates a rounder looking image.

Next post, I will talk more about color and material choices as I start to explore these ideas on the loom. Very excited to get on the loom with my own designs again.

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