Bradford Textile Society Competition 2019

Back in February I entered an annual competition called Bradford Textile Society Competition which calls for all students in the uk and individual designers to compete for a number of prizes which are supported by many different British fashion/textile companies. This year, I felt more confident in my work than I had done throughout university, so felt I should take the opportunity of courage to enter myself in.

As this competition is held during university semesters, we are asked to gather strong work and create boards to enter into different specific groups based on your project. This year, as I focussed mainly on natural fibres, and I'm a knitter, I entered the competition group which was sponsored and supported by The Woolmark Company of creating a design made with 60%+ merino wool. As my previous semester's work (Inhala, Exhala) was based all on merino wool and the benefits on our wellbeing, I decided to submit two of my designs on separate entries to the competition. In April, I was shocked to find out that I had been awarded a Commendation by The Woolmark Company for one of my entries!

My two entries are below, with the winning entry on the bottom of the two.

This entry was explaining the benefits of merino wool having been inspired by a mindful walk on Gullane beach.

This was the winning entry which was also inspired by the benefits of merino wool, creating a hand-knitted design for a sweater.

I was lucky enough to be invited down to the awards ceremony in Bradford to be awarded my Commendation.

Me receiving my Commendation from Louise at The Woolmark Company

To my surprise, I was later awarded the Special Award from Campaign For Wool of creating a beautiful design using wool. It was such a great surprise and two amazing achievements!

Receiving my Special Award from Campaign For Wool