In my first year at the University of Huddersfield the process of weaving captivated me. I find the creative process of taking strands of yarn and transforming them into intricate fabrics really rewarding. I chose to focus on constructive textiles in my second term and then later selected weave to be my specialism for the duration of my degree. Creating an abstract representation of my imagery through texture and colour is something that is challenging and constantly evolving throughout each project. The endless combinations of yarns and structures give a palette from which fabric samples can evolve. My passion for the subject has not wavered however my development is constantly evolving as my portfolio and experience continues to grow. I am excited to be part of a national heritage, which has embraced modern concepts whilst still retaining a market for bespoke handmade luxury fabrics, which can be made using traditional methods with a hand-loom. I am constantly amazed at the diversity that can be achieved using these simple techniques.
LES MONTAGNES DE SAVOIE
Inspired heavily by the traditional linear motifs of Fair Isle knits, this collection explores the texture and shape of alpine trees on a skyline background whilst using a selective colour palette.
The following samples use a really interesting combination of draft and peg-plan, to give an amorphous, free quality. This collection explores through colour the changing Alpine weather seen through the trees. Subtle combinations of warp yarns guide the viewer through the seamlessly constantly evolving weather conditions from blizzards, dense low lying cloud, blue skies and sunrises. The collection uses solely natural 100% wool yarns combining both spun and singles yarns to give different degrees of felted qualities.
These samples represent the iridescent quality of snow. The quazzi IKat dyed warp subtly introduces colour in a soft unstructured way to imitate the refraction of light as it passes through the crystallized formation of snow. These samples are very simplistic to give a greater focus to this delicate dye technique.
PHYLUM ARTHROPODA
Drawing inspiration from the translucent and iridescent qualities of airborne insects; these samples extensively use polypropane yarn, and angelica foil along with an open structured warp to maximize the essence of flight.
Focussing around different combinations of the honeycomb structure, these samples take the shape of insect shells as their main inspiration, to create a selection of highly textured 3D fabrics.
The nature of jacquard weaving allowed me to create direct visual representation of a number of sketchbook images, by exploring structure and repeat.
INTERTIDAL ROCKY SHORES
As fashion fabrics, these samples provide a vibrant collection of shoreline inspired designs; utilizing both double and single cloth techniques to create a varied array of samples for use as outerwear/jacketing. The collection uses 100% wool in both the weft and warp 1 whilst using a contrasting high lustre viscose in warp 2 to give a
THE ART WITHIN STONE WALLING
Woollen jacketing fabrics inspired by the British tradition of dry stone walling; produced on both an arm and industrial dornier loom. Sponsored by Abraham Moons this projects aim was to design fabrics suitable for their clientele.
M A N’ S A T R O C I T I E S
Inspired by the quote ‘he who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat it’ by George Santayana, I chose to design interior fabrics to be used within the National Holocaust Museum. I took various associated and iconic imagery and used them as a basis to create a sophisticated, sometimes subtle, tasteful reflection upon such a grave, harrowing subject matter.