ARCHIVE: Textiles 20/21
As we look to reveal next years graduates, we thought we would share the success of our 20/21 graduates. These graduates worked in a challenging time when colleges and schools remained closed for much of the year. With remote learning these students found innovation in every day objects…
Emily Garrett
Instagram: @e.g.textiles
Future: BA (Hons) Textile Design, specialising in Print at GSA. Year 3 entry, September 21
Emily Garrett Focusing on embroidery and print, I have explored a range of techniques to create exciting and innovative textiles. Throughout my project ‘Medicated Madness’, I conveyed the conceptual idea of finding routine in a chaotic world. Using photography, I captured elements of order in the pharmacy I work in, which contrasted with the array of emotions I felt. I created a range of inventive samples using alternative materials including resin, hot glue and wire. My print designs combined intricate shapes with structured patterns, echoing the theme. My next project, ‘Our mark on Earth’, explores the individual impact each person can have on the planet. Using alternative techniques in weave and print, I created delicate and intricate textiles, reflecting the fragility of the environment. Studying the impact climate change has on our planet motivates me to make a positive difference through a career in textile design and I look forward to developing my skills and ideas at university. I am delighted that I have gained offers from multiple institutes including UAL London & Glasgow School of Art.
Rebecca Gray
Instagram: @beccagrycreative
Future: Design for Textiles at Heriot Watt. Year 3 entry, September 2021
“This year I completed 3 main projects. My first project is called ‘Nightlife Lock-in’ which was based on how life had changed order over my time in lockdown. I chose to focus on my room and how I had added LED coloured lights, posters and patterns to my room décor which I used as inspiration. My second project ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ was about imperfections seen on both the human body and plant life. I wanted the focus to be on questioning why as a society we see things like veins, bruising etc as imperfect but viewed on other living things they are beautiful. My final project ‘Through The Generations’ was taking my mum's old clothing and altering it into something I would wear. I explored sustainability and why recycling garments is important for our planet. I am progressing onto Higher Education to study Textiles.”
Beth Hamilton
Instagram: @bhh.textiles
Future: Printed Textiles at Heriot Watt. Year 3 entry, September 2021
For my New Order 'Shelf Life' favourite project, I developed a series of prints and fabric samples inspired by books and my lockdown pass time. My days spent working in the studio screen-printing were incredibly fun and productive. I used a bright, vibrant colour palette to reflect the feeling of adventure and escapism you can enjoy whilst reading. I used alternative materials such as matchsticks, paperclips and label-tape to construct my fabric samples. Working with materials that might have otherwise been discarded was a sustainable approach that I would like to use in the future. The colleges focus on sustainability has encouraged me to act responsibly and consider the impact textiles have on the planet. After college, I am going to study and Heriot-Watt with printed textiles being my chosen pathway. I look forward to learning more and I hope to be part of the sustainable fashion revolution the industry needs.
Hollie Hyslop
Instagram: @textilesbyholls
Future: Associate Student at Heriot Watt studying Textiles, September 2021
Throughout all of my projects, I’ve kept everything as ethically sourced as I can as I strongly believe in sustainability and using things until I can’t. During my ‘Ecchymosis’ project, I created handmade paper for my grounds and used only recycled plastics. This brought a unique element to my project which enhanced my focus on sustainability. I find my strengths are in knit and print but I still try to incorporate other types of textiles into my work. I find most of my inspiration comes from the colours and objects around me and I enjoy working in a bright environment with ever changing aesthetics to keep the inspiration flowing. I also gain inspiration from the people around me and creating work which embodies how they impact my life. In the future, I want to be an independent creator with a business which allows me to inspire others while creating sustainable and unique fashion garments. I believe there is a large gap in the market for sustainability and the exploration of different body types.
Ellie Scott
Email: Elliescott00@gmail.com
Future: Associate Student studying Textiles at Heriot Watt, September 2021
I am a passionate printed textiles student who thoroughly enjoys seeing drawings and photographs come to life by applying them to fabric. My strengths in textiles are best shown through print and I think that screen printing can be one of the best ways to express colour and detail onto fabric which is why I have always been drawn to that area of textiles. I often find myself being inspired by nature and how beautiful it can be. I get my inspiration usually by photographing the colours and textures of Scottish Landscapes. I like to stick to bold and bright colour palettes when starting a new project.
After college I will be going on to complete my degree at Heriot Watt university, specialising in print. In the future I would love to have my own business, creating printed textiles for interior spaces.
Callum Copland
Future: Associate Student at Heriot Watt, studying Textiles. September 2021
Callum Copland For the past two years I have been expanding my skills in textiles through my college course. Experimenting with many forms, I learned my strengths laid mainly in knit. The methodical approach of the knit along with knot tying in macrame were two skills I used throughout my most recent project I titled ‘Armour and Armadillos’. Looking into how we borrow from animals to form clothes and armour suited to its function. This was a great way to learn more about myself as a designer as I learned that the delicate lace and intricacy was not for me, I favour far more to use bold and heavy patterning using plenty of outside the box materials like chain, can tabs and bungee cord to give thick and bold outlines or a more coherent look through the repetition of the metal. I liked the project as it gave me an insight into what I was good at, taking this forward into my chosen career path. I would love to work somewhere within the costume department of movies and or theatre as such my recent experience has heavily influenced my work methods and made me realise what I would need to focus on.
Erin Peffers
Instagram: @blue_textiles
Future: BA (Hons) Silversmithing & Jewellery Design course at Glasgow School of Art. Year 2 entry, September 2021
As a designer I enjoy working with alternate materials and building samples as 3D pieces. In my initial project’ Monotonous Mechanics’ I incorporated elements such as metal, plastic, balloons and cord into my samples, and appreciated the way I could build samples into 3D pieces. This led me to realise that I had an interest in more sculptural jewellery based design & I am delighted that I will be progressing from the HND textiles course onto the BA (Hons) Silversmithing & Jewellery Design course at Glasgow School of Art.
In my ‘In Our Oceans’ project I enjoyed working with patterns and layering, from surface treating my fabrics to preparing them then working with my print designs to create new patterns. I also focussed on knit as it’s a technique I love doing and using knitted samples as a base to weave in printed fabrics and layers gave me scope to explore sustainability in our oceans. My final project ‘Denim’ allowed me to further investigate sustainability issues alongside body image & consumerism through print & stitch.
