Self-Inspired Embroidered Patch

Winter / 2022

Design Reflection

Get to know me through my work. The entire patch is meticulously embroidered on linen fabric and supported by a felt backing. Vibrant lines and the bee feature stitching with one-ply polyester/cotton blend thread. The three-dimensional flowers are crafted using white Japanese beads, clear glass beads, plastic tube beads, flat sequins, and paillette sequins, all secured with clear monofilament thread.

Symbolizing warmth, the flowers narrate the story of the city where I was born and raised—Shanghai, China. The meticulously groomed snow, on the other hand, symbolizes skiing, my favorite winter sport discovered in Canada—the country I’ve been visiting for school and residing in since 2015.

Employing the satin stitch technique, I depict colorful groomed snow, reminiscent of traditional Chinese embroidery with a flat and painterly effect. Simultaneously, the use of beads and sequins sculpts the flowers, presenting a nod to French embroidery—3D and sculptural. This harmonious blend mirrors my background, embracing my Chinese roots and overseas education and life experiences.

During my college years, my style leaned towards maximalism, revelling in highly detailed designs. As time passed, and after four years in an office environment, my preferences shifted towards minimal and classic designs. The intricacies of the flower structure and the vibrancy of the groomed snow reflect my past style, while the sleek lines of the groomed snow and the purity of the flowers’ colours mirror my current taste.

Despite this shift in style, the spirit of my design—playfulness—remains unwavering. This is evident in the intentional twist in the colors of the elements, showcasing colorful groomed snow and uniformly white flowers, instead of the conventional white snow and colorful flowers. The interplay of light through clear glass beads and the reflection on silver paillette sequins creates a luxurious scintillation, akin to sunlight falling on snow.

An endearing addition to the design is the fluffy bee. Recognized for promoting biodiversity crucial to sustainability and our ecosystem, the bee embodies the school’s guiding principle of sustainability, a principle I wholeheartedly incorporate into my work. Utilizing materials leftover from previous college projects and minimizing consumption of new products, I remain dedicated to sustainable practices in my creative process.

Mood Boards

Graphic Explore

Color Ways

Making Process