Distorted Memories (2024)
Navigating the inevitable transition from adolescence to adulthood, one confronts the stark realization that the innocence lost in youth can never be regained.
In my advanced knitwear class, I developed a collection titled “Distorted Memories,” exploring themes of adolescence and the distortion of memories over time. Each element within this collection symbolizes this monumental transitional period into adulthood.
The cold, unyielding chain represents the weight of societal expectations and pressures. At the same time, the soft, supple fiber embodies the fragility and resilience of one’s own identity amidst the chaos of change. Through this juxtaposition, I aim to capture the complexity and raw emotion of the journey into adulthood, where innocence gives way to understanding, and the path forward is both daunting and exhilarating.
The swatches for this collection were constructed using the double bed, punch lace, and a lace carriage on a seven-gauge Silver Reed knitting machine. Chains and jump ring charms were added to enhance the contrast. The final garments were made using locally sourced yarns, silk mohair, and 100% wool.
Blurred Comforts (2024)
Through a series of experiments with silk mohair and deadstock wool bouclé, I crafted a knit swatch collection that visualizes the textures of blurred memories. Using a seven-gauge Silver Reed knitting machine, I layered and plated colored mohair over grey bouclé, incorporating punch card fair isle techniques. A napping brush blended the fibers post-machine, creating a soft, indistinct texture. Each swatch captures memories' fleeting, mutable essence, illustrating how they fade and evolve over time.
Inspired by my swatch collection, I ventured to craft a fully knit garment that exudes comfort and security. The garment was constructed on a three-and-a-half-gauge knitting machine, utilizing a blend of chunky alpaca-silk bouclé and dyed silk mohair. This material shift, prompted by The Alpaca Owners Student Design Competition, provided an opportunity to explore new textures, enhancing the tactile quality of the piece.
“Fragmentation”
(2024)
Inspired by a desire to reconnect with my past selves, “Fragmentation” explores the intersection of knitwear and imagery. I’ve been a hundred different girls and lived a hundred different lives, and as time passes, those memories unravel. I used a semi-synthetic yarn blend from a used-art-supply store to transfer images, printed with sublimation ink, onto the fabric with a heat press. These images depict key moments from my youth and adolescence. The knit structures—double bed, half-Milano, plain knit, and intentional laddering—symbolize the clarity of some memories and the fading of others. This garment acts as a bridge, reminding me that even as I move forward, the essence of my journey remains woven into the fabric of who I am becoming.
“Look in, find out”
(2023)
Inspired by introspective reflections on the intricate tapestry of relationships, my collection, "Look In, Find Out," invites the viewer on a journey of self-discovery through the lens of knitwear. Each piece is a narrative born from the complexities of failed connections tainted by toxicity and a lack of empathy.
Dive into the artistry of openwork structures that delicately balance the dichotomy of entrapment and expansion. As threads intertwine and diverge, they mirror the ebb and flow of human connections. This collection celebrates the transformative journey of growing away from the constraints of toxicity and emerging as our most authentic and unapologetic selves.
This collection beckons the viewer to unravel the layers of ourselves that we present to the outside world. "Do you really know me? Look in to find out."
I believe that knitwear designs go beyond fashion—they tell stories, evoke emotions, and resonate with those who appreciate the depth within each stitch. This collection isn't just about garments; it's an intimate exploration of my identity and personal growth.
