I am currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University; below is a sample of my undergraduate work.
Please click an image to view in detail.
gusto - s/s 2020
Gusto is a collection that melds the sophisticated touch of adulthood with an energetic and modern sporty-chic attitude. The collection contains an eye-catching color palette of neon colors that are on-trend for the upcoming season. The title of the collection is an homage to my studies - I feel enjoyment and vigor when I create and interact with such tactile, colorful textiles. In my exhibition, traditional textile techniques are reimagined and challenged with a respect for materials through the exploration of pattern, color, and texture. Technology is implemented in an attempt to understand the capabilities of machines and materials. The collection presents samples that may easily be applied to apparel products, and the culmination of these products are appropriate for individuals living a futuristic and stylish lifestyle.
COTTON INCORPORATED
The Cotton Incorporated 2017, 2018, and 2019 FABRICAST (TM) Collection features various finishing techniques and design elements. Many fabrics have been listed as the top requested by companies.
knit seersucker
One of the many happy accidents in my textiles career is pictured above. A gingham pattern was programmed into knitting software, and the machine produced a textured seersucker fabric. Since this incident, I have determined the necessary pattern in order to reproduce such an intriguing effect, as pictured in the final product (blue sweater).
Flutter
This is my collection titled “flutter”. I was originally inspired by the geographic jacquard work of modern textile designers, but I discovered throughout the process of designing this piece that I was more inspired by my model, Joni. She has a frilly-girly and outdoorsy personality, which inspired me to make a butterfly motif for the market of 7-14 year-olds. The jacquard construction and the use of cotton makes this garment the perfect mix of classy and adventurous. The dress was made on the Shima Seiki SRY machine using 60/2 ply 100% Cotton, allowing for an absorbent, strong, and vibrant dress - perfect for a little girl who enjoys spending her day climbing trees and having tea parties.
vogue versatility
The classic designs of Missoni inspired a collection of three different scarfs created in Lectra Kaledo Print and Lectra Kaledo Knit software. Two infinity scarfs each feature two different designs back to back, while a wrap around traditional scarf features four different designs back to back. The soft cotton yarn used in the collection allows for a luxurious feel in the heavy, quality scarfs, which are perfect for winter styling when versatility is key.
REFLECTIONS
The traditional concept of a circle skirt is taken up a notch through the use of a chic, innovative, eye catching textile design. Handcrafted on cotton sateen fabric using Shiva Oil Paintsticks, a beautiful split-complementary color scheme shapes the motif which was inspired by the reflection of light on bubble wrap. An additional dimension is added by pressing bubble wrap on each section of the motif, creating a fun and “bubbly” skirt perfect for any age.
saddleback ski sock collection
The use of the Shima Seiki SDS-ONE Knit Design Software allowed me to simulate my designs for this collection, which would be knit with a needle count of 108 and have 4 colors. These socks are geared towards 30-40 year-old women, and they are the epitome of stylish, versatile, and utilitarian, which is great for any skier. Specifically, I wanted to include three main components in my designs: breathability, comfort, and warmth. The components led me to design with engineered ribbing (at the arches, for example) to increase breathability and support. If produced, I intend to use a terry structure at the toe and the heel of the socks for comfort and warmth. The socks will keep anyone stylish, comfortable, and warm in a snowy, mountainous environment.
facing fluidity
This digitally printed silk fabric was made into a kaftan. It was inspired by the structures of the face and watercolor shades, presented in the original sketch pictured above.
Sporty chic
This project asked us to use a 20-150/96 textured PET/Spandex blend yarn. I began my process by researching the appropriate use for this type of yarn, leading me to delve into the creativity associated with knit structures in the current athletic wear market. I was primarily drawn to the the application of knit structures for breathability, resulting in my application of mesh around the neck and waistline in this engineered, seamless dress. The use of the Shima Seiki SDS-ONE Design Software allowed me to simulate my design before knitting it on the MACH 2XS 123 15 Gauge Machine. The target market for my product is young woman between the ages of 20 and 30 seeking a form-fitting dress that can be worn to work or school. This extensible knit dress is sure to keep anyone comfortable and in-style through the fall/winter season.
playful paisley
Playful Paisley is a seamless garment knit using the SDS-ONE APEX3 system created by Shima Seiki. The garment itself is inspired by the organic shapes most commonly created through the use of seamless knit garment systems. Specifically, the paisley motifs are inspired by the shapes used in traditional oriental designs of Persian descent. The color palette was derived from non-traditional colors typically not present in paisley designs. Silver foil is applied to specific areas of the dress, highlighting the outlines of the large-scale motifs enhancing the shape of the garment. Overall, the colors, motifs, and foil create an attractive combination for an individual seeking a high-end seamless knit garment made with thought and intention using a traditional motif.
captivation
STU[R]DY LIFE
Fashion magazines thoughtfully became snipped and formed into a composition for a collage, resulting in a multi-level shaded drawing with attitude and sense of poise. The graphite enhances the shadows and forms, important in the world of fashion and textiles, propelling inspiration for designs in the future.
Sturdy metal chairs outside of the classroom are for students to use at their leisure. A negative space drawing was created with student life as an inspiration – the chairs are something that are integral to a student’s life, as inspiration and freedom of thought may best be found while one is spending time outside basking in the sun at the College of Textiles at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
simple grandeur
Sister Parish’s delightful words, “innovation – the ability to…bring back what is beautiful…” inspired this fabric collection intended to be used on interior textile products. The jacquard woven designs feature detailed elements that incorporate motifs inspired by the past with touches of modern grandeur.
detailed diligence
A cotton/cottina blend was used to knit this seamless peplum tunic using Shima Seiki APEX software. The mesh knit structure around the hem is enhanced with a multicolor yarn featuring cross-stitch/embroidery as a focal point on the garment.
Iridescence
Holographic foil applied to a digital print on 100% cotton results in a breathtaking piece of fabric created at Cotton Incorporated. The holographic quality of the fabric was inspired by recent fashion trends gathered from WGSN.
rubbish to runway
I was very fortunate to model my recycled dress design down the runway for the second consecutive year in the Rubbish to Runway competition at the Frank Art Gallery in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in September of 2014. One of my proudest moments as a designer was winning third place in this competition, which has allowed me to realize more intently that art and design are appreciated in the community in which I live and learn every day.
HUNAR
Gathering inspiration from Nexxt, textile designs were created for throw pillows that could be produced by women in Jaipur, India using block printing techniques. The group refers to themselves as “Hunar”. Multiple pillows made of 100% cotton were designed using Lectra Kaledo Print and Photoshop. Each pillow is digitally printed for proof of concept purposes, and carefully hand-sewn for the ultimate modern customer.
