New unit and I want to introduce the design aspect to my practice focussing on resist techniques where wax or paste is used to transfer the design to the fabric. I want to find out about the various traditions for this form of resist such as batik, adire and tsutsugaki from Japan. This will mean looking at the processes and tools used to transfer the substance to the fabric in order to extend my subject knowledge through specialist practice. The aim of the unit is to explore the boundaries of the subject and to engage with a variety of concepts, processes and materials through the production of work. I will need to show experimentation and this Blog will be a good tool to reflect and explore directions for my practice. I really need to use my interest in historical and traditional evidence in order to think about context and contemporary work. I have booked workshops with practitioners who use natural dyes and resist techniques in their work. Isabella Whitworth is an experienced textile designer working with wax resist her workshop focusses on shibori techniques but she is also interested in natural dyes.
           The first workshop is with Ian at Woad inc and will focus on indigo processes it will be a chance for me to find out more about establishing a large dye vat so that I can work on larger pieces which can be immersed without folding the fabric. Also I need to think about the fermentation aspects of the vat so that the wax or paste is not compromised by the temperature.  
 

 Helen Dougall lives locally and works with batik but is interested in my work with natural dyes and has offered me a morning to experiment with her techniques in her workshop. I am also spending time with Jean Beale to harvest and prepare plants for dyeing. Busy Bees is her business in Mildenhall where she grows and sells plants and for dyeing and natural remedies.