My first batch of fabric came off the digital printer last week - very exciting to see larger pieces of fabric in my own designs. My next job will be to start sewing them up into a tablecloth, napkin, apron etc. 
I've also done some sampling of simple machine embroidery on a runner.

Over the last few weeks I've been busy doing design development, and have made my first foray into digital print. Starting with some test samples I've been pleased with how it can translate most of the textural detail from my monoprints onto the fabric.

I went to see Angie Lewin's exhibition, A Natural Line, at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park over the weekend. A beautiful collection of her delicate drawings and striking woodblock prints. I particularly liked the small pieces with details painted onto pieces of driftwood.

I've been experimenting with monoprinting as a way of creating a base for designs. By its very nature it can be a bit hit and miss with some unexpected results but it's a good way of creating layers and motifs. Sometimes the image left on the plate looks good in its own right. When I was researching some background for this I came across Linda Germain's tips and the use of gel plates. This is something I want to try more of. I also love Andy Skinner's sophisticated use of the technique to make fine art prints.

I'm now in my final year of my degree course - the end is in sight - and working on my final major project, which is based around the life cycle of plants. I have taken hundreds of photos  of plants at various stages of growth and decay, most of which were plants I had grown myself, and used these as a basis for drawings to take forward into designs.