How it all started

Having a passion for knitwear which has been evident within my family (my gran is an ha-mazing knitter) I chose to attribute some pieces in my collection.The idea was to have a contrasting theme of harshness mixed with delicate geometric knits using silk and cashmere yarns. I researched architectural buildings and designed knitted patterns from their structure. I then networked like a mo fo all summer and was put in touch with a machine knitter. Jemma Sykes designs knits for the likes of Julien Mcdonald, Givenchy and other high end names. Working closely with her was the biggest learning curve I gained during my final collection period. Eventually Jemma and I created some interesting techniques which were new, exciting and modern.
I head hunted my Swarovski crystals from Beadcraft in Carnaby Street and had them imported from Austria in bulk. Three weeks before show selection the Volcano eruption happened which delayed my delivery...all hell broke loose! I hand beaded the hotpants myself which took over 10 hours!! Other dilemmas i was faced with included, postal strike delaying my yarns, yarns being out of stock, lycra running out entirely and only needing half a meter more, my gems taking three months to be delivered then arriving in navy instead of black!having to make three complete looks in a week before final show! My card being declined as i had sub-consciously spent all my money without realising. You can never be too organised as things go wrong either way. I can happily say my final collection came together in the last week, i was the individual most behind in my class, my peers wonder how i ever managed to pull it out the bag.Considering everyone warned me of the late nights, unsociable-ness, and misery that third year had to offer-I went out every night and even took two holidays during my final collection stages. It was the most enjoyable year of uni...the only regret I have was that I didnt trust myself 100pc and wish i took a few more risks!