We were inspired by the work of a number of the knitwear design graduates who took part in Texprint 2012, when it was showcased at Premiere Vision in Paris this September – so much so that we asked prize winner Carlo Volpi to blog for us here on Knitting Industry – Carlo Volpi’s Knit Blog.

Another designer who caught our eye was Sarah Burton, a recent graduate who produces absolutely exquisite knitwear and knitted fabrics in her own unique style.

Sarah recently graduated from Nottingham Trent University after studying for an MA in Fashion Knitwear. Before this she studied for a BA Textiles specializing in knit at Manchester School of Art where her passion for experimental fabrics began.

Sarah’s work relies highly on an exciting initial textile and this is where she says her main interest lies. She worked at Alberta Ferretti in Italy in between her studies and has recently been involved with Texprint 2012 after being selected as one of the 24 designers to represent the organisation which helps promote the work of young UK trained designers. Sarah subsequently had the opportunity to exhibit her work at Premiere Vision, Paris and Interstoff Asia Essential, Hong Kong.

Awards

Sarah won the Pringle of Scotland Visionary Knitwear Award at Graduate Fashion Week 2009 and was short listed in the final 10 for the River Island Gold Award at the same time. She won a Paul Smith Scholarship Award - 2011-12 and was selected to participate in Texprint 2012.

Inspirations

Describing her work, Sarah says: “I have an inquisitive approach to stitches and techniques and I enjoy finding ways of exaggerating and manipulating them to the requirements of my fabrics and materials. I often combine hand and machine processes to incorporate embellishments and mixed media to achieve my individual aesthetic.”

For Sarah, inspiration is drawn from anything and everything… people, travel, film, costume, theatre and the arts. She is also inspired largely by the physical process of developing the textile, constantly challenging the limitations of technique, stitch and materials. “I have a definitive aesthetic on paper and with fabric and my style of working is very process-driven and creative,” Sarah says.

“I looked to the circus and performing arts for recent inspiration regarding both the textile, silhouette and garment details. I became really interested in the physical requirements and functionality of costume for performance and explored in depth how these ideas can inspire decorative design ideas. I combined tactile yarns with drape, fluidity and durability such as viscose and soft cottons because comfort and movement were a key focus of my design ideas.”

Sarah, who is currently working as a knit designer for a swatch company in Nottingham, UK, is keen to work for a fashion house or design studio and learn more about the creative industry and creating seasonal collections.

“I would love to continue to develop my skills as part of an inspiring and enthusiastic design team working directly with luxury knitwear and knitted fabrics.”

Sarah can be contacted at [email protected].