Conveying the spontaneity of drawing through the knitted textile production process

The first phase of a research project to investigated the creative potential of iterative links between drawing, design and production for knit, concentrated on exploring the ways that computer integrated manufacture from the designer maker to high specification industry production, can evoke the spontaneity of drawing in knit samples. A second phase, building on that exploration, investigated the range of expressive opportunities facilitated by the interaction between traditional drawing methods and digital technology by establishing a kind of iterative discourse between drawing to initiate ideas and the actual making of knitted fabric. Using a First World War theme to initiate a narrative between the conceptual and material, even visceral manifestation of
warfare, a series of experimental pieces have been created and are here presented.

TRIP, An international symposium exploring the role and relevance of traditional ‘hand skills’ in contemporary textiles, and the value and status of craft process, 16 November, School of the Arts, Loughborough University: Loughborough, United Kingdom.