Jennifer Philips..

Exploration and Experimentation 

'Exploration and Experimentation of materials has included the laser cutting of perspex, this has been intrinsic to the approach and development of  my hand- woven samples. Within this, my practice focuses on creating experimental textiles for a range of contexts; from women's outerwear fashion to corporate environments. Research into the science behind bio mimicry, nature's patterns and strategies and the innovative development of these concepts through sustainable solutions for the future have continued to underpin this body of work. 

These woven collections capture elements of order, repetition and control that aim to portray innovative three dimensional design through weave. 

Future intentions include the making of an MA where I will aspire to the further development of woven textiles in collaboration with advanced technological applications.' 

As it states in Jennifer's statement her work has a very scientific and practical meaning to her woven samples, I've chosen to write about her work in particular because there was something about her intricate style that seemed to catch my eye. 

As a designer to catch a persons eye out of an audience is a unique quality to have, this a specific quality I would like to adapt on when I'm weaving and presenting/exhibiting my own work especially come my final year. 

Whether its the petrol transparent colour theme or her well thought of exploration and experimental media, her work is something she should be very proud of. 

I adore not only her choice of colour scheme but the carefully selected yarn choice and media that give her samples a lot of definition and structure. 

A huge insperation for me, by looking at her final pieces as well as her development work, Jennifer has allowed me to gain more knowledge for the weaving world as I could now consider to think about bringing in different media to my sampling or to give my work a sense of structure, so that all my samples aren't necesserily flat. 

Her portray about her work is exactly the effect I want to be able to have on my audience next year, so that I can also catch somebody's eye.  

Camilla Thomas..

Time and Place 

 'I am interested in the longevity of textiles and how we invest time in fabric, by living with it and using it in our every day lives. The idea of a woven throw or blanket, used in our homes for wrapping around at times of tranquillity and reflection, giving us comfort and a sense of well-being, directly connects to this interest. 

I have woven samples, which are intended for manufacture into full size blankets. Some of my pieces give a 'nod' to the traditional welsh blanket, although I prefer to use the beauty of the Welsh coast to inspire the designs. The desire to capture the essence of a place, to take home a 'memento' and hold on to the memory of it, has been significant to me throughout this work. 

The qualities of natural fibres, such as wool for its warmth, softness and lightness of weight and silk for its lustre and luxurious handle, give these pieces value as textiles for use in the home and as keepsakes. 

My first blanket, designed at Penmon Point on Anglesey and manufactures by a family run mill in Lancashire, is now for sale. The proceeds from the sale of this limited edition blanket will be donated to the Air Sea Rescue on the island.' 

The reason I have chosen to write about Camilla's work is because I had a strong connection with what I saw in front of me at the degree show. Her work is very similar to the direction I would like to go in myself, not only the choice of topic and title of her work but the vibrant, stand out colours and yarn choices too. 

Her main influence has come from the North Welsh coast, a place very close to home for me, this being a huge inspiration point, as I relate my mind back to a project last year called 'Locations' here I studied very closely all about home and exactly what that meant to me, as in my opinion 'locations' meaning to locate: to be home. 

As I thoroughly enjoyed working for this project I always knew it would be something I would like to re visit in the future. 

Having now seen Camilla's work ethic and having a strong sense of knowing exactly were I want to be, as well as suggesting what my first project will be all about, Camilla has given me the confidence to grow and adapt on my own skills with the hope of achieving many things in my final year just as she has done, keeping close to mind the love of home. 

Eden Lysette Blaber..

'I am a hand weaver focusing on designing fabrics for fashion. As a designer, I respond best to visual catalysts and chaos: and a journey to morocco earlier on in the year played a huge part in the energising elements of my main collection. Paying close attention to yarn choices, colour and texture; I have visually explored these concepts through an experimental approach in order to demonstrate the impact that this experience has had on my work. 

My work has always embraced an element of embroidery, which follows on from my previous interests in intricate detail. I am continually fascinated by beading and heavily embellished fabrics, with the most intricate of details. This laborious work is something I would like to continue from time to time, it is refreshing to combine the two ways in which I work; combining my heavily woven bright chaotic samples with my profoundly time consuming and intricate bead work. For my final collection, I have fussed these ways of working to portray my working style and myself.'

The first person I have chosen to write about is Eden. Her work was one of the first stands that I saw, her particular woven pieces really stood out to me. 
As in most of my own projects I love to use thicker yarns such as wool/lambs wool I also have a slight weakness for sparkle and glitz, using all these types of yarn qualities I adore definition with a lot of intricate detail, all of these something that Eden has included in her designs. 
I can in particularly relate this back to 'Unit X' in first year, during this project I designed and wove a two meter long piece of fabric full of detail and mass amount of various yarns including that bit of sparkle, Edens qualities including her repetition of pattern have really bought some more of my own work back to mind, As I haven't done anything like that since first year its a quality I will definitely consider to re visit in my final year.    
Another element to Edens work that I picked up on is the background idea where she gained all of her inspiration from, Morocco; all of her designs show a clear link to culture as they have a strong look to each sample. Her rich choice of colour and yarn choices form a good understanding to her audience that her designs are suited for the fashion industry, influencing our minds to feel that the samples are inspired by rich countries such as China, India and Africa. 
As her samples are for the fashion world, I could personally really see Eden's work in the costume industry or as a part of the Hindu religion wardrobe.
Being inspired by Eden's work, the qualities that I will take away with me are her detail, for my final year, detail and perfection are going to be two elements I will work on the most. 
This time next year I really hope to have tackled Scott weave so that I can be at a similar standard of detailing to design as how Eden has finished her degree.