I'm still here!

I've had a few of you asking where I've been...

well...I've been making progress!

Slowly (very slowly), but surely.

So here's a quick update:

Making Connections

Most of last week was spent organizing our contact list and beginning to make connections.  First on our list were members of the Color Marketing Group.  Nancy is a member of this organization which "provides a forum for the exchange of non-competitive information relating to all phases of color marketing: color trends; and combinations; design influences; merchandising and sales; and education and industry contacts".  As a member benefit she has access to the contact information of all other members.  While most are personal connections of Nancy's, we also reached out to others that we thought would be able to provide insight into my research.  Those that I have connected with already have been some of the most informative and kind people I have ever spoken with.  They have helped guide me in the right direction (a new direction) and have helped to make sure I have access to all the information that they know is available.

Check them Out: www.colormarketing.org

I have also connected with a California contact and reconnected with Stephanie Rodgers in Michigan, who are both helping me extend my network and interview options.

I have also reached out to one of Nancy's contacts at Unifi, a North Carolina based yarn manufacturer who supplies every industry from hosiery to automotive.  I plan to visit the Unifi office in Greensboro and one of the manufacturing facilities in Reidsville next week.

Changing Directions

So I did it.  I did what every graduate student does.  I have changed my focus mid-way.  Okay, that might not quite be fair...how about I have narrowed my focus (much better).  I tend to overdue it, and what I once thought was a small task, I have now realized was not reasonable expectations within my time frame.  

So what's the difference?

Now I am focusing on Color, Motif, and Motif Scale.

This decision has eliminated structure and materials.  We hoped that De Leo and Detroit Body Products (the producers of the automotive trim books...my primary source) had maintained a database with all the information the books didn't list, such as materials, and structure, and the supplier information.  They, however, informed us they do not.  After sitting down with Helen Scott, a former designer for Guilford Mills, we realized that the only way for even the most experienced fabric designer to tell exactly how an automotive fabric is constructed (when you can't remove it from the books) is if they designed it themselves.  

It was time to move on.

The solution was obvious.  I need to analyze what I can see.  I can see color and pattern.  After running my idea past Nazire (a VERY helpful doctoral student of Nancy's), and Stephanie, I knew I had something good.  The only thing I didn't know was why I hadn't thought of this sooner!  I Love Color!  I am certain that I am now on the path to success!

Now What?

I have spent this past week creating an analysis system for Motif and Motif Scale.  

Motif is divided into the following 14 categories: Solid, Solid Basket, Solid Twill, Solid Knit, Plaid, 2 Color Basket, 2 Color Twill, Lines/Ridges/Stripes, Geometrics, Honeycombs, Florals/Organics, Mesh, Textural, and Dots.

Motif Scale is divided into the following 5 categories: None (Solid), Small (<1.5cm),>5cm), and Multi-Color.

I have successfully analyzed 4 years according to this system at about 1 hour per year.  That makes my total analysis time about 60 hours, which I hope to accomplish in 1 1/2 weeks.

Once I have completely analyzed for Motif and Motif Scale, I will then create a system to analyze color.  I hope that our contact at Unifi will have some insight into this process.  Our current plan is to analyze color based on the vinyls for each company in order to get a general feel of the color trends by year.

I guess its back to work!  Please feel free to email me again if you catch me slacking on my posts :)