Arts Thread

Kate McElduff is a designer who’s clothing represents their values. I want my collection to represent a fashion forward style incorporating considered shopping consuming. This would highlight buying clothing with the intension of longevity. This would consider fibres, weight, seasons and styling. 'It won't expire. I'm timeless.' I believe that quote summaries my values to those who might not have a high knowledge of fashion. It also makes a statement towards anti-fast fashion and trends influencing our high consumer values. Initially my project approached a social issue discussing the Cost of Living Crisis (2022), which caused many to choose between heating their homes or paying food bills. From this research, I started to considered fibres that promote insulation such as Merino wool. Informed by research, I selected a handful of yarns and techniques to use within my collection and performed a test to track heat transfer. These tests considered fibres, knitting techniques and % of heat transfer. My results suggest 57.2% of heat on average remained within the potato after 10 minutes, promoting less heat transfer.

In 2022 the UK faced the uncertainty of ‘The Cost-of-Living Crisis’. During Winter 2022, the crisis started to affect the rising prices of essentials, food, energy bills and lifestyle. Many were unprepared for this and so were forced to choose between buying food or heating their homes. This collection looks to provide a short term solution using knitwear. 'Heat My Home' is an experimental project seeking to situate my practice within knitwear and challenge my current skills. I have researched into insulation, food banks - and how these are protective/long lasting. From this project, I have developed my skills within Dubied, Shima Seiki, Dyeing fabrics and more. MA Fashion Knitwear September - December 2022

It's time to get back in touch with our senses. Time to Touch-A-Lot. During my second-year project, I based my concept on my childhood dyslexia titled 'Childhood Bliss'. I explored sensory communication through touch. My dyslexia affected my speech, meaning I didn’t talk until at least 5 years old with speech therapy along side to develop my skills. I took initial inspiration from a previous project 'Childhood Bliss'. Looking into this influence of touch further, in my adult life, my Nan has macular degeneration (MD), which leaves her with only peripheral vision. This classifies her as legally blind and relies on touch and other heightened senses. The concept explores and identifies how touch is valued and how we can reconnect to touch after a global pandemic. Relying on technology to connect us has become outdated and we need to stimulate our skin and fingers more. This collection will research how visually impaired/blind consumers relate to fashion - they mainly rely on touch to understand and form an opinion on garments. The softer, lightweight fabric used is known as more attractive. Creating a collection that changes in textures, from soft to rough helps to stimulate our sense of touch and is inclusive of all customers.

'Home from Home' is inspired by caravans/portable shelters and how this can be translated onto the body. In collaboration with styling and communications student (2022) Nadia Girach, the project 'Home from home' has been presented in publication and video format following the process of a knitwear designer. ​'An ode to Kate and a story of a modular garment that can be disassembled into different parts, or modules and reassembled at the wearer's will. This is generally achieved through a variety of fastenings.' - Girach, N (2022) Produced May 2022, Credits to Nadia Girach. Using knit, technical features have been adapted to create pullies, clasps and openings. Modular construction garments that fold away are influenced by flatpacks. The garment has been made from a natural insulator - British Lambswool and fused onto emergency blankets.

Awarded Winner of Shelter Charity x Graduate Fashion Foundation competition: Fashion for Social Change Award 2022. 'Clothing will be my Shelter until you provide me a stable home.' Modular construction garments that fold away are influenced by flatpacks and shelter. Using British Lambswool and fused emergency blankets. I really enjoyed viewing knitwear as a technical piece of construction. Awarded by CEO of Shelter, Polly Neate in June 2022. Photography by Nadia Girach. Modelled by Dana Vinklere.