unleash the power of inspiration...

                                         unleash the power of inspiration...

Cross-pollination: I often draw from unexpected, non knit related mediums for my inspiration.


On a recent trip to the hair salon my stylist was changing up some things about my cut. I watched carefully as she worked, trying to figure out how she would make my hair do what we had discussed. As I watched, I was fascinated to see how she worked and then I realized that the process reminded me of the fashion design technique of draping on a mannequin to create a flat pattern template.

 In a nut-shell the draping method involves taking fabric and literally draping it around a mannequin to produce the desired shape. As you work you pin each piece in place (that’s why it isn’t generally done on a human model) and cutting away what isn’t needed. The toile (fabric) is marked with seam lines, darts and other details and then removed from the mannequin. The information can then be transferred from the toile to a flat pattern. 

 In both cases (hair & fabric) we are creating a 3D shape working with a specific material and we have to select appropriateness based on what we are working with, including personality & lifestyle. 

 I realized that my stylist had inspired me & in turn it got me thinking about how designers in any area draw on the same principles of line, texture, colour etc regardless of what they are working on. I asked her about her methods and she explained that she still uses many of the styles that she learned in school (she’s been working in the field a long time), but what keeps them looking modern and contemporary are the details. It’s much the same with clothing design & sweaters of course. 

 Using a pattern based on a traditional technique is a go to for many designers but marrying it with a modern silhouette, tweaking the pattern and then adding just the right trim can not only make or break a design but can also make it look new and contemporary even when it may be evoking a retro feel. 

 Just in case you are wondering, my hair-style is asymmetric. As I discussed it with her, my stylist referred to many of the same things I consider when designing an asymmetric garment; balance, weight, how each side relates to each other but mostly how it has to look like you really meant to do it otherwise it will just look lop-sided. 

 My Twist Collective design Bonnie is, I feel, my mostly successful asymmetric design to date. I really played up the asymmetry of the cable by including non identical sleeves, as well as several other elements. There is no mistaking that I meant this sweater to be have an asymmetric look while still maintaining a regular traditional overall shape. 

 I think that I may well be adding some fun elements, such as colour placement, to my future designs based on what I learned during that conversation with my stylist. 
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​ Thank-you for reading and I hope that you enjoy the photos - this month they are all mono-chromatic, inspired by putting together a wall of black & white photos for my home. Please check back next month to see what my latest fascination is.



 See you next month!       

Fiona xxxx

On-line, on-nine

Monthly post on the 9th of each month!    


On-line, On-nine August 9th 2014