Lucy
Knights

What made you choose to study BA (Hons) Textile Design at NTU?
“NTU has an amazingly broad Textile Design course, and I knew this would give me a lot of creative freedom. I saw this when I visited on an open day and the tutors were incredibly friendly and helpful, so I knew it would be a great fit for me.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?
“The creative possibilities are endless in all of the textiles specialisms, this can be seen in the diversity of work produced by everybody on the course. The tutors and technicians are really supportive and everybody on the course encourages each others ideas.”

What projects are you currently working on?
“I’ve just completed the Ascena/Ann Inc competition and my dissertation. So, my focus now is mainly on my final project which is based on modernising traditional British fabrics and drawing in on the importance of British sourcing, which I have been able to develop with the help of my scholarship from the Worshipful Company of Weavers.”

What is the most valuable thing you have learnt from your course so far?
“I’ve learnt so much over the past three years at NTU, but the most valuable thing would probably be how important it is to maintain relationships with the people you meet at university. These people can help support you throughout your three years at NTU and you can always help each other in the industry, on placement or after you graduate.”

Has the course included any speakers / lecturers from industry?
“One of my favourite guest speakers was Lisa Salama, who is an embroidery designer that worked for Mary Katrantzou. I love her bold style and I found her work for Mary Katrantzou really inspiring as I also want to work in the high-end fashion market.

"I was also invited to go to the annual Making It in Textiles event for woven textiles students held in Bradford. I was fortunate enough to hear Emma Sewell, from Wallace Sewell speak at the event, and I then worked for her company for 5 months on my placement year.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you?
"The equipment in the weave department is fantastic, I feel really lucky to have been able to work on a large variety of looms and develop my experience with industrial equipment. The Bonington building is also a great place to study, there is always a creative vibe and the art shop has a great selection of materials. As a whole, the NTU City Campus is always busy and full of life, the library has great resources and the staff are helpful. The SU is good fun and right in the middle of campus, so it’s super easy to get to and socialise."

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
“Nottingham is a great city and very student friendly. There’s always loads going on, and there are loads of delicious food places. I love all the unique bars and the nightlife is fantastic.”

Why would you recommend your course and NTU to prospective students?
“NTU as a whole is a wonderful place to study and I’m really happy I chose to study here. Textile Design  has something for everybody and the tutors are incredibly supportive in helping you find your place.”

What are your ambitions for the future?
“I want to work in the production industry for a while and understand the processes used to create woven fashion products. After gaining experience in this area I’d like to move into high-end tailored menswear, either designing or sourcing. I’ve worked in woven and printed fashion, and I like the combination of different textile specialism.”