THE FABRIC CREATION PROCESS
DESIGN
I begin working on a fabric by creating a colour design. There are two ways to do this.
The first way is to paint the design entirely by hand. I use professional, artistic honey watercolours for this.
Another method I use is graphic processing of photographs, drawings or painted designs, adapting them to the requirements of weaving.
Next, I prepare a technical design. This stage is also done entirely by hand, by transferring every detail of the design onto a drawn and appropriately enlarged grid, or with digital assistance.
The technical design has dimensions corresponding to the fabric and is used to assist in the weaving process.
PREPARING THE FRAME
I call the preparation of the frame ‘warping’. The warp, i.e. a strong linen thread stretched across the frame, is the field for visualising the fabric.
The density of the warp depends on the size and detail of the fabric. I set up the warp to the width of the intended fabric, adding 1-2 cm. After warping, I make a chain and a selvedge, which compensates for the added cm and results in a fabric width that matches the design.
COLOUR SELECTION
After warping, I select the colours of the yarn.
I carefully select the colours, shades and textures of the yarn I intend to use in the fabric from my extensive collection.
MAIN CREATIVE WORK
This is the most labour-intensive and rewarding stage in the entire process of creating a fabric. This is the stage when we transfer the design from paper to fabric. Sewing the technical design to the selvedge is helpful. Throughout the entire weaving stage, it serves as an invaluable and significantly improving aid.
I call this stage of the work ‘PAINTING WITH YARN’, because my finished works resemble a painting ‘painted’ in such a unique way.
I finish the fabric with the same selvedge and chain as at the beginning.
FINISHING
Before removing the fabric from the frame, I add the final details with a needle (if necessary).
These details are usually delicate vertical lines, which are impossible to reproduce so intricately in the weaving process.
After removing the fabric from the frame, cosmetic finishing touches are made.
In the final stage, the finished work is hung in the exhibition and I add the signature DALIANNA 'AD.