New College Swindon Textiles Student Works With Swindon Blind Association To Create A Wearable Experience

Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media student, Theresa created a fashion piece ‘A Sight for Sore Eyes’. Using a knitting machine, recycled yarn, yarn from used saris, 1,200 ring pull bottle tops, a laser cutter and printing press, she created an incredibly tactile piece to give something back to Swindon Blind Association (BATS), who she says “have provided so much support to my family over the last few years”.

Theresa’s mum is partially blind, so she has spent a lot of time with members of the blind association. Ill health also meant Theresa was out of education for a while. Looking for a sense of calm, Theresa focused on knitting and crochet. She said, “I have always been saddened that my mother and the other members of Swindon BATS are unable to see the coloured garments I love to create, but I’m also fascinated by their love of feeling the yarn and the textured stitches.”

On the back of the jumper, Theresa hand-pressed brail, with French knots and worked with a member of Swindon BATS to help pick samples. Swindon BATS loaned her a range of blind-sight goggles, so she could invite a sighted audience in to experience the fashion piece, highlighting the over-reliance of sight in the fashion industry. To enhance the experience, Theresa wore the garment while walking and dancing around, including sound into the piece.

Completing her journey at NCS, Theresa has secured a place at The London College of Fashion for Textiles: Knitwear. There were 250 applicants and 18 spaces.

She said “My nurses encouraged me to study my passion at NCS. From this course I’ve made friends, taught myself how to use a knitting machine, learnt how to print, along with many new textiles techniques. It has given me a focus and a passion for life and helped me see a future. My final piece is my proudest achievement to date, I put my soul into it and although stressful it showed me that I am able to do anything I put my mind to.

“Theresa is a dedicated and creative student who has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to her studies. She joined the Foundation Diploma with an impressive self-taught knowledge of yarns, spinning, and hand knitting, which provided a strong foundation for her continued exploration of textiles and materials. Although many of the techniques and processes introduced during the course were new to her, Theresa embraced every challenge wholeheartedly. Her proactive approach to experimentation and material development reflected both her curiosity and her desire to continually grow as a designer.” – Sarah Still, Programme Leader for Creative Practice Fashion & Textiles.

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