Developing any fabric takes the designer on their own journey. My journey has taken me from the capital of the Highlands up to Shetland. I will graduate this autumn from the BA (Hons) Contemporary Textiles run through Shetland College, University of the Highlands and Islands. Returning back to my home base in Inverness.
Growing up in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland has established a strong relationship with both heritage and nature. I have created my graduate collection on a half width, 24 shaft, floor loom; resulting in contemporary woven interior fabrics, each piece bespoke and handwoven.
Projects
- Autumnal TransitionsThe driving influencce was to use an autumnal colour palette that encompasses the vibrant and muted transitions of colour that this season creates. I am particularly inspired by the overcast weather and shadowed undergrowth that reflects the more subdued colours, as well as the transformation in the plants and trees that diplay the lively accent colours. Nature has a way of intensifying colours, making foliage and landscapes beautiful despite the usual damp and windy weather conditions in Scotland. The transitional season has been reflected through the use of ombré colour tones and distorted and shaded patterns.
Work history
Brand Development Assistant
- Culbokie, Dingwall IV7 8LF, UKInternship
Prickly Thistle Scotland offers a bespoke and luxury focused design house service for tartan designs, allowing clients to become co-authors of the finished cloth. My project with them involved creating my own design and developing that into a product in the form of a heritage gift box. I had to ensure that I met current standards and regulations and had a competitive pricing point as well as consider who my market was.
I also helped with current clients and products within the business, contributed to making design manuscripts and promoting the company at local events.
The placement allowed me to make connections with individuals and organisations that support new and established businesses to develop and grow, which has helped me to build my network.
Skills
- Weave Design
- Hand Weaving
- Design
- Interior Textiles
- Machine Sewing
- Canva
- Upcycling
- Exhibition Deisgn
- Fabric Design
Education
BA(Hons) Contemporary Textiles
United Kingdom
HND Textiles
- Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Awards
Heritage Gift Box Competition
Our 3rd year class was given the opportunity to take part in a ‘Heritage Gift Box’ competition. We were asked to prepare ideas for a product to be added to the Prickly Thistle Gift Box line - this included consideration of fabrics, colours, techniques and stories for the product whilst also complimenting the current Gift Box collection in relation to target markets.
My design was a cushion that explored the story of the Faerie Pools of Skye. The textile product design was paired with a small candle which would give off scents that are found at such pools and the glens of Skye.
It was important for me to incorporate textiles found in nature and I was keen to combine hand woven techniques into the product.'Best use of Jamieson and Smith Yarns'
Our 2nd year class was challenged to create a contemporary knitted garment of our own choice, using the Jamieson and Smith yarns in jumper, lace and Aran weights.
Oliver Henry (Jamieson and Smith) said that ‘Nicole’s poncho was a very well designed and extremely well made garment. We loved how she also combined yarns together and thought through her design at every level which resulted in us picking her garment as the best use of Jamieson and Smith yarns.’+ Show more