Kate
Morris

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“The fantastic facilities, especially in power knit and the fact you get your own studio space. Also the self-led structure of the course with opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

How do you find the course staff?
“Fantastic! Sean, the head of department is consistently supportive and always goes out of his way to help everyone. My supervisor Jane has taught me so much, she has put a lot of energy into working through the knit programming issues I’ve created - I really couldn’t have done my project without her. The technicians are also relentlessly making our knit dreams possible!”

Can you tell us a little bit about your project?
“My MA project is an investigation into commercially viable vegan knitwear. Each aspect of my practice is informed by sustainable approaches and driven by the desire to contribute to changing attitudes within fast fashion. The overall aim of my MA is to prepare myself to launch my own knitwear brand.

“I started with the broad idea of knowing I wanted to design knitwear in the most sustainable way as possible. This was initially a little overwhelming, so during the first term I figured out which issues within this were most important to me, resulting in a focus on sustainable plant fibres and minimal seam production.”

Why would you recommend MA Fashion Knitwear Design to someone thinking of studying it?
“If you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve on the course, NTU will work with you to make it happen.”

How do you think having a postgraduate qualification will help you to progress your career?
“I now have a body of work that can act as a launching collection to my own brand and will gain the exposure I need. I also have so much more knowledge and confidence than when I started the course.”

Congratulations on being selected as one of the ten finalists in this year’s EcoChic Design Award! How did you feel when you found out?
“Very excited! I really admire the ethos behind the competition. The fact I get to showcase my work during Hong Kong fashion week is really thrilling.”

Can you tell us a little bit about your shortlisted work?
“EcoChic collection combines the technology of digital knit machinery with hand-crafted elements to efficiently create a collection of diverse knitwear that the wearer can have a tactile connection with. It is made from 100% textile waste in the form of end of line cones of yarn, shredded discarded t-shirts and natural dyes from food waste. The collection uses minimal seam techniques as well as up-cycling and reconstruction.”