Innovation Project

Key words: Craft, Poetry, emotional sustainability,mass customisation

I began this project by defining Innovation: 'A change that creates a new dimension of performance in a particular environment'. This initiated a concept for my project and my vision of present and future textiles. The focus of this project is to transform neglected domestic objects which are no longer in use or considered, thus coming to the end of it's lifespan;changing the consumers perception of value,by adding new life into the old object;in this way creating a new story through hand craft and adding luxury materials,making it more desireable and valuable. I have taken inspiration from the design group Based Upon who celebrate the 'preciousness of imperfection' by adding semi- precious resins and liquid silver to objects within the domestic and commercial space;thus adding value and creating legacy pieces.

Q.When Fashion garments get damaged they are often mended or customised,why not promote the same principle with domestic objects as opposed to discarding them?

I want to promote hand craft but also use modern processes to reduce production time and encourage commercial viability.I found inspiration from the Dutch designer Hella Jongerius who combines craft with Industrial processes.

In some of my work I combine hand stitching with laser cutting. I experiment with contrasting surfaces, combining leather, felt and silk together and Wood,silk felt and raffia together.I searched various markets,skips and building sites in London to find discarded Interior objects.

* Found chair.Reupholstered and stitched into :-

* close up of stitching.Felt,silk & Raffia.

* Burgundy Cowhide, felt & silk.

• Laser cutting and applique Samples.Paper silk,felt and hessian. Paper Silk.