Above are images taken on a photo shoot of the finished garments I created during my time a Nottingham Trent University (NTU). Our brief was we had to choose from 5 trends allocated to the 2nd years by the teachers, based on trends from WGSN.com, spring summer 2012/13. We were to take the trends and create our own interpretation; the trend I chose was 'Future Modern' and my concept within this trend was organic graffiti- drawing inspiration from images of Lichen I had taken whilst on holidays in Australia. I was drawn to the texture and uniqueness (and colour) of lichen and found it a great place to start generating my idea's. Early in the process I decided I wanted to experiment with print on knit and organic patterning on the power machines (Shima Seiki or Stoll). I knitted every panel, all (except the Gilet which was knitted on a Stoll 14 gauge machine) on Dubied machines, 7 and 10 gauge (pictured below), which was long and laborious. I then screen printed on the panels I needed to- I actually really enjoyed this process but still wonder about the environmental viability of screen-print as there just seems to be so much water wastage. Anyway......
After all the panels were complete, I had to construct 4 garments; toiles were constructed first to confirm the measurement for the garments from the initial paper pattern.
The whole experience was fantastic for me; I feel I really discovered myself and what is my real passion- fashion knitwear. I feel I grew as a designer and learnt how to believe in my concepts, my ideas and myself. The facilities at NTU were amazing with both teacher and technical support in all areas. There were permanent technicians in the knit rooms and make-up room (construction). The steam BEDS were amazing and a real novelty to me and as you can see (from the top image of the knit room) machines were in abundance varying from 5-14 gauge. Having access to fine gauge machines was incredible and I think I will miss that in 3rd year, the feel of the fine weight knits was divine but mostly having the ability to play with so many various gauges was inspiring.
I am so pleased that I did the semester exchange and would quite happily do it again. However saying that I am really looking forward to tackling the year ahead and creating some beautiful knits that express myself as a designer and encapsulate my design aesthetic which will hopefully lead to me achieving employment in a commercial and fashionable knitwear company.
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