If you ever needed convincing that knitting is not confined to the realms of frumpy jumpers, monstrous Xmas knits and various other frankensteinian horrors, then the finalists showcase for this year's Knitted Textiles Awards should do just that. No "Shreddies Grannies" here, (though I do think the shreddies gals have a coolness all their own!) these recent graduates push the boundaries of traditional structures and processes to produce a range of creations and wearables which are functional, high fashion & artform.
Standards were characteristically very high and all the finalists have delivered a fine collection of innovative & inspirational work. The winner was Deimante Meilune with her elaborately dressy creations which bring together Haute Couture with Lithuanian folk traditions. A few others that I found particularly appealing include:
Kerry Baldwin (Bath Spa) whose skilful use of colour has been put to good work in producing a range of gorgeous homely soft furnishings.
Clara Malonda (Buckinghamshire New University) fuses knitting & woven textiles with her menswear collection. Here she manipulates the materials, felting knitting onto fabric to great visual and textural effect, where you see what appears to be a traditional cable sweater morph into a linen jacket.
Emily Morton's (Herriot Watt) Shima Seiki knitted bodysuit prints over jacquard knitting to produce minimalist monochromatic drama.
Katie Noakes's (University of Brighton) finely knitted & lustrous interpretation of the styles and cultural influences of Ancient Egypt produces a collection of richly decorated, draping garments with an elegant silhouette.
Well, I certainly feel inspired after seeing that lot! Now where are those knitting needles...........
