In September 2014 I started a Masters in Design at Bath Spa University and spent two and a half years researching and experimenting with different materials, products and techniques. Initially I thought I wanted to learn new skills within textiles, such as weaving and printing, and combining them with other disciplines and technologies, like laser cutting, 3D printing, woodwork and metalwork. I felt excited about trying everything and it was difficult for me to focus on one thing. I soon realised that doing a Masters isn’t about learning a completely new skill from scratch, it is about becoming a Master in something you’re already pretty good at. So for me that’s knitting, but I wanted to study something new and different from my previous work as a fashion knitwear designer. So I decided to design for interiors, whilst deepening my knowledge in machine knitting and researching sustainable textiles.
I completed my final project at the beginning of this year, January 2017, and graduated with Distinction. My final piece, titled ‘Relatively Distant‘ is a series of six knitted wall panels, and it is on display in the main stairwell at Bath Spa University Sion Hill Campus.
The knitted panels provide an alternative way of decorating a wall that adds pattern and texture, as well as improving acoustics. Each panel is 112cm x 58cm, made from 100% British wool attached to a recycled felt backing and supported inside with a metal frame for hanging.
This research project aimed to tackle some of the challenges faced by independent designers producing on a small-scale, as well as considering sustainability issues, such as over-production, excess-stock and wastage. The knitted wall panels were designed to be manufactured on-demand with pattern and colour customisation options, therefore only making exactly what is desired.
Masters projects in Design Portfolio:
