Bradford Textile Society Award Ceremony

Today was the day of the Bradford Textile Society design seminar and Award presentation! The long, busy day left me somewhat exhausted, but it was rewarding to see my work on display and to have achieved something.

As I rather foolishly forgot to photograph my entry before it was posted, here I finally bring you a photograph of my board!
Here is my 2nd prize entry in the Clothworkers' Foundation award for First Year Students for a Knitted Fabric in any Fibre or Blend (quite a mouth full I know!):



The day began at around 6.20 for me, travelling to Derby and walking to university, something I do every day (although never in a dress!). Unable to catch the election results before I began my journey I bought a paper on the way, only to see my strong support of Labour had not been enough to win them the election. We left on a University of Derby mini-bus for Bradford at 9am, managing the journey at a fair pace until we arrived at Bradford and got lost attempting to find the 'Rio Grande', our first port of call for registration. Eventually we arrived and were then taken on a tour of the 'Bombay Stores, which boasts the title of the 'UK's Largest Asian Department Store'. In a word the place was incredible. Everything seemed to shimmer or sparkle or glint, and the rolls and rolls of fabric and ribbon got me snapping away madly:






As usual I could see inspiration and ideas everywhere, so a few close ups were rather tempting too:







After the tour of 'Bombay Stores' we returned to Rio Grande for lunch. I decided this was the perfect time to take some photos and fly the flag for the University of Derby, and here are all the UoD prize winners (I'm far left lol):



And Jackie and Kay:



After lunch we walked to the National Media Museum to view all the winning entries on display and then have our design seminar and award presentation. The seminar was given by Sabine Le Chatelier of Premiere Vision. Then everyone received their awards from President John Dyson.
Congratulations to all the designers who entered into the Bradford Textile Society Design Competition, well done to everyone and thank you to the society and its sponsors for an enjoyable day. Best of luck for next year everyone! :)

Second Prize in Bradford Textile Society Competition ...

Well, it was certainly a shock to say the least when I was given my mail last week! Thinking nothing of the brown envelope and expecting nothing more than more election propaganda I tore it open. Much to my amazement my eyes immediately focused on the words '2nd Prize in section K3'. In utter shock I read the letter thoroughly. Well, in my previous post I had commented 'just in case I'm in luck' but never imagined I would be!



Congratulations to the 6 other students from the University of Derby who also won prizes or commendations. A full list of all winners can be seen here:

http://www.bradfordtextilesociety.org.uk/dc10wnrs.html

Many thanks to the Society for looking kindly upon my designs and Jackie and Kay for putting me forward for the competition.

Bradford Textile Society Entry ...

Today I completed my entry for the Bradford Textile Society competition. I was chosen as one of three knit students at my university to be entered into the competition. I have entered one board into a first year contest with two of my knit samples, a number of photographs, a drawing and a spec drawing. I am satisfied with the entry, even if alot of stress has surrounded it. I enjoyed the 'In the Bleak Midwinter ...' project thoroughly and felt it was a nice way to round off the project, and it is quite exciting to be entering my first competition. Rather foolishly I forgot to photograph my entry before it was posted ... however here are the two samples that were selected to be sent:






So good luck to any other entrants and Ill be keeping my eyes and ears open just in case I'm in luck:

http://www.bradfordtextilesociety.org.uk/index.htm

In the bleak midwinter ... Long Ago.

Crit for 'In the Bleak Midwinter ...' was today. Presenting all of my work was enjoyable as ever and it felt especially strange to observe everyone elses knit and weave compared to my own and how differently everyone interpreted the brief. This project struck me especially as very personal to everyone and the ways in which the brief has been interpreted are so different. Some people have chosen to look at colour, texture or pattern, I personally chose texture.
Here are some photographs of my mounted samples on display and of my finished sleeve and neck ruff:

Sleeve:








Ruff:




Kindly Modeled by Nat.

Snow on Snow, Snow on Snow ...

Here are my Nine completed knit samples based on 'In the Bleak Midwinter ...' I experimented with different materials as yarns such as dental floss, ribbon and organza, as well as more conventional yarns. The photos are predominantly close ups and arty shots because the samples have not yet been mounted, but I do still think that you can get the overall feel of my work. All of these samples will contribute towards my final garment section, at this stage im leaning towards making a sleeve. Further photographs will follow when my samples are mounted and ready for display.

Sample One:






Sample Two:





Sample Three:






Sample Four:






Sample Five:







Sample Six:










Sample Seven:








Sample Eight:



Sample Nine: