I thought I'd start with a "brief" update on my background so far- I am currently about to go into my third and final year studying printed textiles for fashion. My first year was a huge eye-opener for me, mainly because I'd never studied fashion before and the only previous experience I'd had studying textiles was during my GCSE's; so deciding to throw myself into this degree seemed quite a big risk for me at the time. 

I'd previously spent a year studying fine art at UCA Canterbury which in itself was another big step for me. It was the first time I'd ever lived away from home, and although I loved Canterbury (it's by far one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to) I never really felt truly comfortable there. Spending all day in my studio painting and drawing was a wonderful experience and I was incredibly lucky to have a very supportive and inspirational tutor, however over the course of the year I became very unhappy in myself and lost most of my self-confidence, and so I decided to move back and give myself a chance to "find myself" while commuting to somewhere nearer to home.

I've been at Northampton now for nearly two years, and I'm currently living with the most wonderful and supportive girls, and am surrounded by some of the most genuine and lovely people I've ever met :)

So enough talking- I thought I'd begin by sharing some of my sketchbook work and research during my first year at Northampton. I decided to base this particular project on Kettle's Yard in Cambridge (I fell in love with this place after visiting there with my family). I had so much enthusiasm for this project and for the first time I don't think I lost motivation or lacked confidence throughout the whole term...

Here are a couple of photos taken from Kettle's yard:

I started by collating my own primary research (my own photos, knitting, fabric samples and transfers etc) alongside secondary imagery that caught my eye or happened to inspire me at the time. Even now I find this little sketchbook to be one of my favourites. I felt incredibly free when creating it and for the first time I seemed to be working more or myself than simply for a good grade or to please someone else. I was also free to experiment however I pleased which was a massive bonus!

Here are a few pages that give a general feel of the project:

I then went on to develop my initial research and ideas further into work that could possibly lead to designs/ inspire any initial design processes:

I find it amazing looking back on my past work because, despite it not being that long ago it is incredible how much I have developed and how my style of working has progressed. Although I very much enjoyed my first year (starting from scratch and trying to get to the same level as the other students who already had fashion/textiles experience), I'm glad I've been given the opportunity to specialise in just one area (printed textiles), as I find it feels a lot more "professional" now. I guess in another few years I'll look back on my current work and think the same thing, and I can't wait!