Week 11 – Make a Textile Vessel
My initial thoughts for this week’s creative endeavour were to use either hand or machine stitching. Layering and building as I went along. But however I made this 3D vessel the pliable nature of fabric would mean that it would inevitably remain “fabric” in its nature.
So how do you change the nature of something? Especially when working with lightweight cotton fabric and even lighter weight silk and chiffon?
The answer lies in a product called “Powertex”. I have had a container of this in my stock cupboard for a while now and have only experimented with it in a limited way. It is environmentally friendly. It is water-based so easy to clean brushes. It’s an alternative to polyester and it’s transparent. When it dries – it dries surprisingly hard – even with these lightweight fabrics.
I made two small bowls using a ceramic bowl as my template. Wrapping it in cling film I proceeded to lay my fabrics over this as a mould. I did have concerns that it would all stick together forever. With hindsight the application of Powertex for my first attempt was probably a bit enthusiastic. I had applied two layers of material. Cotton for the outside and silks for the inside surface. Which is why it took a little longer to completely dry.
I was lighter handed with the second one which took much less time to harden. And I was amazed how rigid they became. The top edges were a little untidy, so I used scissors to remove unsightly corners and threads. It cut so cleanly. I even cut into the second bowl a little more.
There are endless possibilities with this product. It can transform waste materials and produce rigid forms from very soft fabrics and materials. It is easy to use and there is no limit to age or ability. I already have ideas as to how I can use this method going forward with my own work.