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There’s something magical about pleats that form themselves, even more so when you can use them to create ruffles and curves. But there’s always an element of unpredictability; the final outcome is never certain until it’s draped on a mannequin and you learn what it wants to become! The curves of this cloth length moulded themselves perfectly over the shoulders with an elegant ruff standing up round the back of the neck; the rest of the garment followed.
Techniques:
Crepe weave with areas of self-pleating twill which acts as smocking and causes ruffling and curving. A supplementary accent thread floats on top of the crests of the pleats.
Dimensions:
Fits a standard display mannequin (neck to bust), approx 16″ x 16″ x 11″
Materials:
Warp:120/2nm silk
Weft: 30/2nm silk
Accent thread: 2.5nm bamboo viscose
Loom:
Louet Megado 32 shaft, computer dobby
Wendy Morris
Wendy came quite late to weaving but, having been bitten by the bug, quickly embarked on the UK “Bradford Certificate” in Handwoven Textile Design. Soon after that she joined Complex Weavers where she found her tribe and with it the encouragement and expertise that enabled her to continue to grow and explore. She took over the Handweavers Studio in London, running it for many years and developing its teaching side, including introducing a two-year Diploma program for which she was Course Director. For Wendy there are few things in weaving as magical as watching a flat web of interlaced threads transform into three-dimensional cloth when it hits the water, and she is addicted to exploring ways in which weave structures and fibers can be exploited to achieve this. Most of her weaving takes the form of creating fabric for clothing, especially for her own wear, but her work has also been exhibited in a number of group exhibitions in the UK and USA.
Instagram: @wendymorrisweavings
