Kitty Craske Press Pack 2015
Designer-Maker Materialogist
Statement My practice aims to explore a crossdisciplinary approach to making and researching with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. My specialist skills are rooted in machine knitting but I also employ a range of hand construction methods, traditional craft techniques and contemporary experimental practices. My project concepts are often informed by my inherent concern with social, ethical and environmental factors. A future forward approach celebrates the hybridization of conventional textile craft skills with scientific and technological advances. My work is the culmination and translation of these different interests into a coherent and informed style of textiles.
Food Waste Project
BIOPLASTICS
An exploration into future materials focusing on the creation of bioplastics from ingredients derived from edible sources or food by-products. Resulting in renewable and biodegradable outcomes with a new aesthetic value.
Mending Project A project investigating mending and darning techniques within knitted fabrics as well as the potential of combining the disciplines of weave + knit.
Knit Hack Project The term hacking is the idea of exploring what is possible in a spirit of playful cleverness. This project aimed to investigate this concept by hacking the conventional knitting process. The feasibility of designing and making a ‘machine’ was explored using hard materials in combination with the laser cutter, changing the perceptions of what my specialism can be and its expected outcomes.
Curriculum Vitae
Kitty Craske I am a textile craft student specialising in machine knit with a passion for a wide range of hand-constructed techniques. I enjoy combining traditional craft skills with new technologies and contemporary experimental practices. I pride myself on high quality craftsmanship and applying a thorough technical knowledge to my processes, as well as being sensitive to the unique properties of different materials. I am very adaptable and enjoy the process of problem solving and I am always looking for new challenges to expand my knowledge and gain new skills. I feel strongly about ethical and sustainability issues within my practice. EDUCATION
2011 – 2015
BA (Hons) Textile Crafts, The University of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire 2009 – 2010
Foundation Studies in Art Design and Media, Northbrook College Sussex, Worthing, West Sussex Distinction
2007 – 2009
A Level Qualifications, Varndean Sixth Form College, Brighton, East Sussex A - Photography A - Textiles
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Final Year Course Representative 2014-15
Entrant in Shima Seiki Competition 2015, (University of Huddersfield exclusive)
SOFTWARE SKILLS
Mac + Microsoft Operating Systems Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign
Microsoft Office
Selected to exhibit work at:
Fashion and Textiles Department Royal Visit 2015, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
The Knitting and Stitching Show 2014 , Harrogate, North Yorkshire The University of Huddersfield Degree Show 2013, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
OTHER SKILLS
Digital Photography
Film Photography + Darkroom Developing Hand + Machine Embroidery Dress Making
Natural + Resist Dyeing Transfer Printing
Table Loom Weaving Rug Tufting
07554 121 518 kittycraske@hotmail.com www.kittycraske.wix.com/portfolio SPECIALIST SKILLS Experienced Machine Knitter
Brother + Knitmaster - Standard, chunky and fine gauge machines with ribbing attachments Dubied - All gauges
Shima Seiki Whole Garment Machine - Apex 3 Design Package
Experienced Hand Knitter
Proficient in a wide range of hand knitting techniques and crochet
WORK EXPERIENCE
August - October 2014
Studio Assistant
Laura Long - Cockpit Arts Studios, Holborn, London
Assisted in the production of a range of children’s toys through the process of machine knitting, hand stitching and finishing to create personalised gifts. Gained an insight into the runnings of a small, successful online business. April - July 2014
Studio Assistant
Elisabeth Hamlyn - Cockpit Arts Studios, Holborn, London
This role involved working one to one with the designer over a 3 month period to design and make her own silk wedding dress, developing technical abilities of using a fine gauge V-Bed machine and the experimental process of designing through draping and manipulating fabric on the mannequin as well as cut and sew construction methods. October 2013 - April 2014
Knitwear Internship
Makepiece - Todmorden, West Yorkshire
This was a full time position assisting in the production of fully fashioned womenswear, menswear and babywear garments and accessories. Collections included ready to wear, bridal-wear and couture, as well as constructing bespoke and made to measure pieces for customers. All items made from wool sourced, spun and dyed in the UK and from their own flock of sheep.
Other tasks included taking promotional photos for use on the website and social media, designing and writing a hand knitting pattern and kit, co-ordinating a fashion show, calculating garment specifications, drawing up design sheets and sizing charts, working to deadlines and batch orders, linking, washing, ironing and finishing items for delivery as well as cleaning and maintaining the machines. August 2013
Installation Assistant
Cloth and Memory 2, Salts Mill, Shipley, Saltaire, West Yorkshire Volunteering position to help install the exhibition, working one to one with some of the UK based artists – Hilary Bower, Annie Harrison and Hannah Leighton-Boyce. September 2012 – 2013
Archive Assistant
Lee Mills Knit and Crochet Guild Archive, Scholes, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
The role involved, organising, photographing, cataloguing and labelling items to create a digital database. Alongside this I developed creative responses to some of the archive content through personal projects. Access to this resource has given me an invaluable insight into a wide variety of domestic textiles and printed ephemera throughout the twentieth century, whilst allowing me to build a strong rapport with the archive team. I was also given the unique opportunity to photograph an event, hosting a visit from American Vogue Knitting.
Macramé
Laser Cutting
[REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST]
Contact Details 07554 121 518 kittycraske@hotmail.com www.kittycraske.wix.com/portfolio