The golden section.
Below is my paper experiment from page 45 of my sketchbook, arranging a series of patterned paper squares using the formula of the golden section. Fibonacci series pages 39 to 45 about 8 to 9 hours work.
The golden section and the following design exercises are all based on the Fibonacci sequence.
Exercise 10, make a block of 5 tonal strips in the Fibonacci sequence and cut into 45 degree diagonal strips, arrange these strips into a pattern.
I quite like the last pattern, bottom right, as it reminds of wings.
Exercise 9, page 43 of my sketchbook. " Make a block of 5 tonal strips in the Fibonacci sequence and cut into strips to make a square design in the same formation as log cabin patchwork". I admit I struggled with this one as I was working from the diagram and found it hard to see where the strips were going.
Page 42 of my sketchbook shows design exercises 7 and 8.
7. Make two blocks of tonal strips placed in the Fibonacci sequence, place them opposite each other.
8. Cut the opposing tonal blocks into strips and move alternate strips slightly to form a fractured design.
The image below shows exercises 5 and 6 on page 41 of my sketchbook.
5. Cut two blocks in the Fibonacci sequence, one in plain paper and one in decorated paper and arrange alternately. Cut these again into strips at right angles from the last in the Fibonacci sequence and arrange on a plain background. I messed up a bit here because they were supposed to be laid out with gaps in the Fibonacci sequence and I forgot to do this.
6. Flip alternate strips to create a sort of woven looking design.
Below are the first 4 design exercises in the Fibonacci sequence.
1. Collect 4 patterned papers and grade into a gradual tonal column, Fibonacci series 1,2,3,5...
2. Divide the pattern into Fibonacci series at right angles to previous column. Arrange with a slight gap between each strip.
3. Cut more strips from this same sequence in Fibonacci ratio and rearrange in a different way.
4. Choose one patterned and one plain paper and cut both into strips using Fibonacci sequence. Arrange alternately.
Page 39 is a short research and introduction page for chapter 9. The Fibonacci sequence and the golden section.
Pages 37 and 38 are the last pages of chapter 8, "Not what it seams". On page 37 I have displayed my ribbons. Some are just single strips of fabric that I have looked back at previous samples for inspiration with the sewing machine stitch settings, thinking about feather patterns. Some have layered fabrics with decorative stitches. On page 38 I have displayed the cords and toggles that I have made from strips of fabric and threads that could be used to make decorative trimmings and finishes for my functional 3D item.
Below is page 36. I spent hours on the samples d and e, mainly because I had some design ideas I wanted to try. I made up 4 fabric panels using strips of the same fabrics. On two I decorated them with stitch k (setting) in white cotton, sloping the stitch one way on one and the opposite on the other. On the other two panels I used 3 different stitches f, i and h (settings) in black and white cotton, stitched more randomly. I also hand stitched one strip of black perle thread blackwork with a central bead. These samples were then cut up and sewn together in a chevron pattern. In the seams of sample e, fluffy white wool strips were sewn in every other vertical seam. In sample d, I placed frayed spotty fabric in some horizontal and some vertical seams. It's amazing how dark sample d is compared to the lightness of sample e, considering I used the same fabrics.
Sample f is an experimental strip made with small off cuts.
Time spent on samples for pages 35 and 36, around 13 hours.
I felt that these samples were quite successful and did have a birdlike quality about them, so I will bear these ideas in mind for my final design.
