Thea
Sanders

In her final year, Thea was chosen to showcase her work at Graduate Fashion Week 2013 and was named the winner of the Stuart Peters Visionary Knitwear Award.

What made you choose to study at NTU?
"NTU has a fantastic reputation for Art and Design. The course was the main reason as students specialise in knitwear from day one, and the course is very hands-on and creative.

"I also really wanted to have a year in industry, which this course offered. The University has a campus feel but is right in the city with lots of things going on."

What do you enjoy most about the course?
"I love the fact that we make knitted fabrics which we then make into garments. It's great to be able to learn the whole process of making a garment from start to finish."

Has the course included any live projects?
"In Year Two I took part in a live project with Rowan. It was a hand-knitting project and the Head Designer from Rowan taught us some additional hand-knitting techniques.

"The project was to promote the British Wool Campaign. I designed and knitted two cushions and was chosen to have my work shown in the Wool Week lookbook, and on the Rowan website."

Has the course included any industry competitions?
"I recently did I project for WGSN which is a trend forecasting website. The project was to design samples for their spring/summer 2014 trend report. 

"It was great that my work was selected and shown on the WGSN website."

How did you find the course staff?
"The lecturers are very supportive and friendly. There is a lot of contact time with the tutors, which means we get lots of feedback and get to know our tutors really well.

"The technical staff are also very helpful and very experienced in knitwear. They are always on hand to assist you when you're working in the knit rooms."

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
"The University is so close to the city centre and there is always lots going on and places to go."

Why would you recommend this course?
"Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles is a fantastic course. It is extremely practical so that students can learn lots of techniques and skills. 

"The placement year is a great opportunity to experience working in the industry."