Abstract textile- During the first few months of living in Europe, I kept a color diary/ photo study. I took some of my favorite photos and simplified them as much as I could, focusing solely on color and shape. By isolating those unique shapes, I was able to create collages of memories by arranging them together. Inspired by the Memphis Milano movement and my digital print work, I wanted to create an actual wall hanging that featured various handmade/ hand printed fabrics.

Photo study-

 Black and White Tote: The textile on the bottom half of the bag was made by layering white sport mesh over a cotton twill, and then topstitching them together with an abstract embroidery pattern. After that, black circles were stamped on using acrylic paint and a bottle cap. The textile for the top half of the bag was made by embroidering black cotton with the same abstract pattern as the bottom textile. 

 Corduroy Tote: The corduroy fabric was originally a light pink, and it was tie dyed with a deeper magenta dye to add more dimension to the fabric. The abstract floral tile on the front of the tote was made by layering freehand embroidery, acrylic paint, and topstitching. 

 Abstract Denim Tote: The body of the tote is patchwork of four different denims. The design on the front of the tote was made by laying out cut shapes of denim, and then topstitching them down. Additional topstitching was added on top and around the shapes to fill in all the blank denim gaps. The stitching was completely freehand and random. White fabric paint spots were added next to bring in bright highlights that white thread could not. Finally, an embroidered frame was added to the design. 

 Painted Shapes Tote: This textile was made by hand painting random shapes and symbols onto canvas. Instead of actual paint, fabric dyes were used instead. Regular paint would have left a rough texture whereas the dyes left the fabric with a “machine printed” look and feel. The dye was painted on with a paintbrush, and once the fabric was dry, it was heat set in a dyer and then machine washed. 

 Denim Fringe Tote: The textile for the bottom panel of the the bag was made by reverse tie dyeing a dark denim with bleach. The fringe was also a happy accident. When washing the bleach out of the denim, the raw edge of the fabric was frayed naturally in the washing machine. The frayed edge was cut away and topstitched back on as a decorative trim. Topstitching was also added to the top panel of the tote for added dimension and interest.