Jasmine
Farmer

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“Nottingham Trent University is my local university and it has a very good reputation for knitwear and one of the most specialised knitwear courses in the country. When studying my Art Foundation I visited the NTU Degree Show and felt very inspired by all the knitwear collections being showcased.”

What do you enjoy most about studying BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles?
“The thing I enjoy the most is the experience we get with technical knitwear machinery. The University has a wide variety of dubied knitting machines and linkers and it is great spending time on them.”

What projects are you currently working on as part of your course at NTU?
“I am currently carrying out my placement year working at G H Hurt and Son - a knitwear factory in Nottingham, where I am helping to run their power knit machines.”

Can you tell us a little bit about the skills you’ve developed during your placement?
“I have mainly developed my skills working on STOLL power knit machines. Whilst working here I have been shadowing G H Hurt's head technician and designer Reg, who has about 40 years’ experience working on this machinery.

“This has been such a valuable experience as I have been taught on a one to one basis - I feel that this something I would not be able to get in other places. I now feel more confident and inspired to create part of my final collection on the STOLL machines.”

What is the most valuable thing you have learnt from your course so far?
“The most valuable thing I have learnt so far is how to knit on industrial machinery; I have developed this skill from scratch. Before coming to NTU I had never worked on a knit machine, so this is a valuable skill for the future.”

How do you find the facilities available to you?
“The facilities in the knitwear studios and workshops are great, there’s a huge variety of machinery for us to experiment with.

“The Bonington Gallery is also great addition to the University, I always look around the final year Fashion, Textiles and Knitwear exhibitions for inspiration.”

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
“Nottingham is my hometown, so having such a great university on my doorstep is perfect. I love the homely feel of Nottingham – it’s a very inspiring city. I especially love the Hockley area, it’s so creative and is full of art and life.”

Why would you recommend your course to someone looking to studying knitwear?
“I would definitely recommend studying Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles at NTU. The most rewarding thing about the course is having the opportunity to complete a year in industry. This experience has been so valuable and I shall definitely use the skills I have learnt during my final year. Lastly, the tutors are very helpful and the facilities are incredible!”

What are your ambitions for the future?
“My ambition for the future is to run my own knitwear label. Whilst at University and out on placement I feel that I have gained the skills I need to progress with my own ideas.

“Whilst I have enjoyed working commercially at G H Hurt and Son and Sophie Steller, I feel that knitting my own designs would be very exciting. At these two businesses I have picked up skills that I will carry forward in the future.”