Extreme textile shrinkage
Substratum was created to portray twisted and convoluted layers that lie beneath an imaginary surface. The technique relies on lightweight fabrics on top with a shrinkable fabric underneath. Silk hand dyed fabrics were pieced together and inclusions added to create dimension. Using water soluble thread and fabric, the piece was then free machine embroidered over the entire surface. The piece started out approximately 200 x 120cms and finished up half the size in both directions after shrinking. In places the depth exceeded 5cm. Sold
Selecting the silk habotai and gauze
Stitched together
Stitched and layered
Over 2 metres x 1.25m
Inserting resists
Stitching resists
Adding fishing line
Varying resist shapes and stitching
Incorporating sisal
Before shrinking
After shrinking – 1/2 the original size
Closeup
Stitching becomes very convoluted
Nylon line adds depth
A bit of beading here and there
Layered red net to give more direction to the piece
Finished
Hanging in gallery