Have you seen the work in my graduation show?

An insight into a collection of work I did at University, focused on creating a display of my woven samples and products.

I graduated from Bath Spa University in 2018 with a degree in Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors. I specialised in weaving for two years - the first year being more experimental across other fields of work.

I enjoyed learning something new and this is really how my small business began. I set up Steph's Woven Textiles in October 2020 so over two years since I graduated, the timing felt right to produce some products and release them into the world.

“I enjoyed learning something new and this is really how my small business began.”

After bringing the ideas together I started to create woven samples to build a collection. The main outcome was to make soft furnishings - cushions and throws. I had to plan well (and definitely know now it's all in the planning) as the whole project was around 3 to 4 months if I remember rightly. I needed to know I was going to finish and have a collection to show to the public. The first item finished was one of the smaller throws, a thinner decorative throw one I like to make for commissions now.

I then went on to weave the cushions in matching colours to both the throws I displayed. Using a mix of different pinks, blues and whites the collection slowly came together.

The large pink honeycomb throw was the longest piece to make at about a metre wide - it's also the widest piece I have ever handwoven. At the beginning it took a while to feel like I was getting anywhere but the surrounding area of Corsham Court was definitely great for frequent breaks and hot chocolates!

Here is the final collection, I hope you can see the patterns in the weave enough to notice the shapes coming out of London architecture. The honeycomb created squares and triangular shapes in the depth of the weave whereas the wavy twill (or undulating twill) I used for the smaller throw created wavy lines and a block check. Other patterns I used were the circles and checks in different ways.